Bambi
She drew his head down to her and kissed him.
"The shine will come back now, beloved. Oh, Big"--she said with a
sigh--"my old Jarvis."
"No, your new Jarvis, little wife. The old, crazy Jarvis will be more to
your liking. I may not understand you very well yet, but I know my need
of you my pride in you----"
"And my need of you?"
"And your need of me. We're in step, now, honey girl--and we'll march
along together without any more misunderstandings, won't we?"
"Oh, we will, if you'll take short steps, so I can keep up."
"I'm the one to do the running now, Miss Mite. A famous novelist and a
successful playwright!" he laughed, pinching her cheek.
"None of it counts. The only title that means anything to me is Mrs.
Jarvis Jocelyn."
His comment on that was inaudible.
"Would you mind telling me just why you married me?"
"Because I was a seeress, and foresaw this day."
More comment, inaudible. The door opened, cautiously, the Professor
tiptoed in, followed by Ardelia, with a tray. At the sight of the two
before him, engrossed in the inaudible comments, he stepped back into
Ardelia and rattled the contents of the tray. Jarvis looked up and
caught his astonished expression. He rose with Bambi in his arms.
"Good-morning, Father. I'm home," he said.
"Thank de good Lawd!" from Ardelia.
"It's Jarvis," said Bambi, fatuously, patting his cheek.
"I suspected that it was when I saw him," the Professor admitted. "I'm
glad that you're back, and I hope you'll stay. This child needs a firmer
hand than mine."
"You're speaking of a woman with a well-advanced career, Herr Professor
Parkhurst!"
"Ardelia, we are not needed. She is well. A dose of Jarvis Jocelyn was
the correct prescription."
"Well, thank Gawd fo' some sho' nuff lovin' at las'" said Ardelia, as
she backed out behind the Professor, and closed the door.
THE END