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The
other parents have written notes. They seem to think it’s all
right.”
    “But my pa doesn’t think so. He says that I
might get hurt.” Jenny looked into Melinda’s eyes and frowned. “The
fact is I can’t do much of anything, Miss Gamble, because he
worries too much.”
    Jenny looked out the window and spoke as if
she were reminiscing about the past. “One time, a neighbor’s cat
had kittens and she was giving them away and my pa was too busy to
take me to her house to get one because he said he didn’t have the
time.” She turned and looked at her teacher with a bit of sadness
in her eyes. “When Pa finally had extra time, all the kittens were
given away and it was too late. I wanted a kitten so bad.”
    Melinda’s heart went out to Jenny and she wanted to
help. She had learned firsthand how a small animal was able to help
a child emotionally. The memory of it warmed her soul as she
remembered her childhood days, and how her faithful dog had helped
her through many a tough time as she poured her feelings out to
him. She remembered how this loving animal had licked her tears
away and then snuggled up close as if to comfort her. She
remembered the softness of his fur against her face and the
enormous amount of love she had for this animal. Her dog had been
her friend and confidant. Why hadn’t Jenny’s father cared enough to
go with her to get a kitten?
    “Jenny, is it all right with you if I talk
to your father and ask his permission for you to go on this
trip?”
    Jenny looked doubtful that her father would
give in, but it was worth a try. “Yes, but it won’t do no
good.”
    “You mean that it won’t do ‘any’ good,
Jenny.”
    “Yup. That’s what I said.”
    Melinda smiled and let the English lesson go
for now.
    The following day was Saturday so Melinda
got ready to visit Jenny’s father. She wore an attractive lavender
dress that fit perfectly on her slender figure. It had puffed
sleeves and was gathered at the waist, hanging gracefully over her
hips. As she pulled her hair loosely upon her head, she tried to
think of what she should say to Jenny’s father.
    It did not take long to arrive at Mr. Roberts’s
home. It was a large, beautiful house and the grounds were neat and
clean. The house had shrubs around it and there was a small lawn in
front. She reined in the horse and, holding her skirts with one
hand, stepped down from the carriage.
    Melinda looked up and found Gilbert standing
on the porch, leaning against the post with his arms folded across
his chest, watching her intently. She could tell that he was a very
strong man as she glanced at the tanned muscles in his arms. Trying
not to stare at his bulging biceps, Melinda walked toward him. As
she approached, she noticed that he was watching her carefully in a
curious manner.
    “Mr. Roberts, I’m here about Jenny. I’m Miss
Gamble, her teacher.”
    Gilbert’s eyes widened in disbelief and his
eyebrows lifted. “You’re Jenny’s teacher? You’re the one I saw at
the creek walking barefooted right in the middle of the
stream.”
    Melinda blushed. “Yes, I’m afraid I was and
I should have asked permission from you since it was your
property.”
    “No harm done.”
    Wiping her hands nervously against her
skirt, she continued. “Speaking of permission, I’m here to get
permission from you to take Jenny to the mountains.”
    “I’m real glad the way you’ve been treating
my Jenny. You’re a real good teacher, better than the other one she
had. She likes you and talks about you a lot. But, Miss Gamble, I
can’t give permission.”
    “Why not?”
    “Too dangerous.” His eyes narrowed as he stared
at her, as if challenging Melinda to contradict him.
    “I would never take the children into harm’s
way,” she said. “And the other parents have given permission. They
must think it’s all right. So, please won’t you…”
    Gilbert dropped his hands to his side,
apparently annoyed with her persistence. “Miss Gamble, I