‘“That reminds me that I didn’t get a chance to hear much about your plans last night—the other boys all talked at once, and you only got in a word now and then. What have you decided to be, Mac?” asked Rose as they went up the avenue side by side.
“A man first, and a good one if possible. After that, what God pleases.”’
‘In her eyes, love was a very sacred thing, hardly to be thought of till it came, reverently received, and cherished faithfully to the end. Therefore, it is not so strange that she shrank from hearing it flippantly discussed and marriage treated as a bargain to be haggled over, with little thought of its high duties, great responsibilities, and tender joys.’
‘As he [Charlie] stood there, restlessly fingering the ornaments upon the chimneypiece, his eye brightened suddenly and, taking up the pretty bracelet lying there, he went slowly back to her [Rose] saying in a tone that was humble and serious enough now: “I will act like a man, and you shall never be ashamed again. Only be kind to me. Let me put this on, and promise afresh—this time I swear I’ll keep it. Won’t you trust me, Rose?”
….Putting back the offered trinket with a gentle touch, she said firmly, though she dared not look up into the anxious face bending toward her: “No, Charlie—I can’t wear it. My hands must be free if I’m to help you as I ought. I will be kind, I will trust you, but don’t swear anything, only try to resist temptation, and we’ll all stand by you.”
Charlie did not like that and lost the ground he had gained by saying impetuously: “I don’t want anyone but you to stand by me, and I must be sure you won’t desert me, else, while I’m mortifying soul and body to please you, some stranger will come and steal your heart away from me. I couldn’t bear that, so I give you fair warning, in such a case I’ll break the bargain and go straight to the devil.” '
[Beware the man who strives towards God only for the sake of a woman. It is disordered to go about seeking Him this way, and can only end in dissatisfaction and despair, unless he turn and seek God for His own sake. SPERA IN DEO- Hope in God, not in man (or woman).]
“No, I will promise nothing yet, for I must respect the man I love.”
‘A wise man once said: “It is necessary for man to do right; it is not necessary for man to be happy.’
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