Page:Frank Owen - Rare Earth, 1931.djvu/127

 now the long, long college trail was ended and the fear that he might not be able to keep earning his tuition was no longer dogging his footsteps. He had struggled for an education and he had won. He had earned his C.E. degree.

Then he met Linda Dixon and romance. That summer was one of beauty, to be remembered. Together they explored the vast snakelike trails of the swamp or sat before the cabin in the evening gazing at the blood-burning moon rising in mellow splendor over the murmuring swamp. They were nights of romance and love. They confided in one another. Exchanged confidences. Linda felt as though she were walking on air. Some hidden force had awakened within her. She worked tirelessly about the cabin. She would not permit her mother to lift her hand to do a thing. So grateful she was for Benda's friendship she felt as though she wanted to lessen the burden of everyone.

When summer was ended, Linda consented to become Benda's wife. It had to be. They