The Threshold (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1918. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXI WHEN Gregory came downstairs after his talk with his nephew he found Joan waiting for him. After their greeting she said, "How is our boy?" "Joan, he's gone. He isn't a boy any longer." "I've thought that, too, sometimes," she nodded. "But Dick's youth will come back, Gregory, when he begins his real work. I never had any youth at all until I went to college, and you know how absurdly young I was, when I used to live here, long ago." "It does seem long ago, doesn't it?" he answered. "It was another decade in our lives." "Can't we ever get it again? Can't we go back and live it once more? It was such a happy time " "Poor Gregory We've pulled your life up by the very roots, Dick and I," Joan said ruefully. "That's the thing to do with weeds, no doubt," he smiled. "You haven't forgotten how you used to lament my waste " "Did I? I've had my lesson, Gregory. No more rule of thumb for me--I'll never preach to you again." "Oh, but I like it " he protested. "It's one of the luxuries you will have to do without," she answered him. "If only life would stand still when it's happy and hurry faster when it's sad " he exclaimed. "I wouldn't change it, Gregory." He walked about the room, hands deep in his pockets, head bent in a characteristic way of his which was dear to her. She closed her eyes and thought how glad she was to be there, in that quiet, soft-hued room, watching Gregory pace up and down. "Dick has some wild scheme for the rebuilding of the factory," he said to her. "Has he?" "He tells me he has not talked to you about it, yet." "No." "I'm afraid you'll encourage him in it." "You disapprove of it, then?" "I don't know yet--I haven't thought it over. But it sounds utter nonsense." "Do you think I always encourage him in utter nonsense?" "By ...