Peter's Principle

"I have known this fire that burns inside the both of you. Ages ago. I came back from the town to marry a farmer and to bear a daughter whose daughter this is. The old man died. So did my daughter and my son-in-law. Years ago. Leaving us to ourselves."

Dropping his hand suddenly, she said, "I tell you, son. Everything in me is compelling me to encourage you both in what you are tempted to do. But, then, is it right that a passing wind should break and scatter a rose that I have tended with my own hands? And, will I not be answerable to God for my guardianship? Stay with me, son........... The stress on you both will soon pass."

Peter stayed with her near the staircase until morning was reddish in the window, and she was asleep in her chair. Softly and quietly he went out, started the car, and sped away. But not without a wistful look at the window of the room upstairs, which framed the girl in the atomized light and shadow of the dawn, like an impressionist painting in which the dabs and strokes of unmixed colors had left the expression on the face quite unclear.