Page 51 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

Jim now by his side. Jim looked at his young friend, the concern telling in his face and voice. “I thought I just might find you here.” Eli looked up at his old friend and smiled. “I’ve just been thinking.” “About what?” “About Anya.” “She’s actually a very beautiful girl,” Jim said. “It’s more than that, Jim.” Jim nodded. “I saw you glancing at her at dinner. Come to think of it, she glanced some at you, too. I’d say you kind of like her.” “Yes.” Jim grinned. “Then why don’t you marry her? You own her, you know.” Eli jumped to his feet and angrily hurled the driftwood out as far as he could into the bay along the moon’s silvery path. “I don’t own her!” He turned and faced Jim. “A man may control a woman, but he cannot own her heart. He can only have her heart if she wants to give it to him. Her father owned her, but he never had a place in her heart.” Jim spoke in a subdued voice. “I’m sorry. I was only joking.” “This is not a joke!” Eli said. “I am beginning to care for her. But Jim, I only want to marry her if she wants to marry me. I want her to love me.” “Don’t you think she will, if you treat her well?” Jim asked. “I don’t know,” Eli replied. “I’m not sure she will ever forget the way her father treated her enough to open 48