But I knew it could not ; the woman must blossom out some day ; it was my duty to see that the flower fulfilled the promise of the bud . When I told Betty that she must go away to a school for a year , she shrugged , frowned and consented . Betty had learned that she must consent to what I decreed , even when my decrees were opposed to her likings , as she had once fondly believed they never would be . But Betty had acquired confidence in me to the beautiful extent of acquiescing in everything I commanded . `` I 'll go , of course , since you wish it , Stephen , '' she said . `` But why do you want me to go ? You must have a reason -- you always have a reason for anything you do . What is it ? '' `` That is for you to find out , Betty , '' I said . `` By the time you come back you will have discovered it , I think . If not , it will not have proved itself a good reason and shall be forgotten . '' When Betty went away I bade her good-by without burdening her with any useless words of advice . `` Write to me every week , and remember that you are Betty Churchill , '' I said . Betty was standing on the steps above , among her dogs . She came down a step and put her arms about my neck . `` I 'll remember that you are my friend and that I must live up to you , '' she said . `` Good-by , Stephen . '' She kissed me two or three times -- good , hearty smacks ! did I not say she was still a child ? -- and stood waving her hand to me as I rode away .
I looked back at the end of the avenue and saw her standing there , short-skirted and hatless , fronting the lowering sun with those fearless eyes XXXXX hers .
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