Page:By Sanction of Law.pdf/164

 —Her parents will not allow it. No, Boy, forget her. Does she know that you are of mixed blood?" he asked.

"Yes, she knows all. And that makes no difference to her. It did at first but she loves me and I love her."

The elder man bowed his head in his hands. "Forget her, Boy. It will only mean pain and suffering for you both otherwise."

"No, Dad. I've given my word in pledge to her. And she's given hers. I'll not give her up as long as she holds to her mind. Why Dad, I couldn't and be a man. I won't. That's all. I won't."

"Youth feeds at the breast of impatience," exclaimed the elder man half to himself. "It is only when time has dried up the food sources that experience can gain a hearing."

"You're wrong, Father. Wise youth observes and studies the experiences of others then maps his chart according to the drift of the winds of his own life and the strength of his ship—his soul."

"I'll tell you, Boy. In setting your course as you've planned you're running into the trade winds of prejudice and proscription. You're bringing harm to the girl you say you love; alienating her from her own poeplepeople [sic]—her own family; her outlook on life has been different than yours; bringing her into a life of loneliness. She will be deserted by her own people."

"Won't you and mother accept her?"

"Yes, Boy. We'll accept any good girl whom you bring tous. Weare not prejudiced. You're asking a mighty big sacrifice of her when you ask her to quit her own people."