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           ButIdidn’twanttobeinsidetherewithDaddyandtheboys,andMumisstilldownatourhousewiththebabies.IsupposeIoughttobeprayingwithMrs.SmithandMinnieandCat,butIdon’tfeellikeprayingforher.That’sasin,isn’tit?"

           HewasinnomoodtopandertothememoryofMaryCarson."Idon’tthinkit’sasin,Meggie,whereashypocrisyis.Idon’tfeellikeprayingforher,either.Shewasn’t…averygoodperson."Hissmileflashed."Soifyou’vesinnedinsayingit,sohaveI,andmoreseriouslyatthat.I’msupposedtoloveeveryone,aburdenwhichisn’tlaiduponyou."

           "Areyouallright,Father?"

           "Yes,I’mallright."Helookedupatthehouse,andsighed."Idon’twanttobeinthere,that’sall.Idon’twanttobewheresheisuntilit’slightandthedemonsofthedarknessaredrivenaway.IfIsaddlethehorses,willyouridewithmeuntildawn?"

           Herhandtouchedhisblacksleeve,fell."Idon’twanttogoinside,either."

           "WaitaminutewhileIputmysoutaneinthecar."

           "I’llgoontothestables."

           Forthefirsttimeshewastryingtomeethimonhisground,adultground;hecouldsensethedifferenceinherassurelyashecouldsmelltherosesinMaryCarson’sbeautifulgardens.Roses.Ashesofroses.Roses,roses,everywhere.Petalsinthegrass.Rosesofsummer,redandwhiteandyellow.Perfumeofroses,heavyandsweetinthenight.Pinkroses,bleachedbythemoontoashes.Ashesofroses,ashesofroses.MyMeggie,Ihaveforsakenyou.