I am not interested in
seeing a feeder built from Sequoia north to Grant's Pass, and
connecting with the Southern Pacific, but I am tremendously
interested in seeing a feeder built south from Sequoia toward San
Francisco, to connect with the Northwestern Pacific."
"Why?"
"For cold, calculating business reasons, my dear." He hesitated a
moment and then resumed: "A few months ago I would not have told you
the things I am about to tell you, Shirley, for the reason that a few
months ago it seemed to me you were destined to become rather
friendly with young Cardigan. When that fellow desires to be
agreeable, he can be rather a likable boy--lovable, even. You are
both young; with young people who have many things in common and are
thrown together in a community like Sequoia, a lively friendship may
develop into an ardent love; and it has been my experience that
ardent love not infrequently leads to the altar."
Shirley blushed, and her uncle chuckled good-naturedly.
"Fortunately," he continued, "Bryce Cardigan had the misfortune to
show himself to you in his true colours, and you had the good sense
to dismiss him. Consequently I see no reason why I should not explain
to you now what I considered it the part of wisdom to withhold from
you at that time--provided, of course, that all this does not bore
you to extinction.
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