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Show 24 Amelia Young opened the door, glanced in and closed it again. I knew that she would go to Brother Young and tell him what she had just seen. Next morning the President came in (I was alone). He advanced and sat down by me. He began, "Mr. Shipp was here to see you last night, was he?" "Yes, Sir." "Well, I want to tell you before it is too late that I would have nothing to do with him." He then proceeded to tell me how abusive he had been to his wife and many things that proved him to be greatly prejudiced in his feelings...But I knew that his mind was embittered and that if he knew Milford Shipp's inmost heart that he would have no objections and he would love him as a son...For some time Brother Young raised many objections. But when he saw where my heart was, he opposed me no longer. I told him I did not want to do anything without his blessing. He said I should ever have it. Words are inadequate to express the deep gratitude I feel for the many kindnesses I have received from this most kind of friends. During the ten months I lived there he was most truly a father and I feel that I never on this earth can repay him for his goodness.'3 Early in April, Ellis's father arrived in the city. Her heart gladdened by recent events, she expressed in her record a profound love for him. Milford took the occasion to ask Reynolds' consent to his marrying this eldest daughter. At first reluctant, the father did give his approval. Ellis, filled with deep emotion, had difficulty bidding her father goodbye, but Milford cheered her by insisting upon "an early day for the consummation of our happiness," selecting May 5, just three weeks away, because it was both the wedding day and birthday of his parents. Ellis agreed; for, as she said, "my means would not allow extravagant preparations." She still had time to examine her decision, though in the warm light of a love which, through seven years of maidenly fantasizing, had sustained her until, at the ripe |