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Storyteller's Cabin |
When Alice mentioned her newfound beau to her family, her mother and brother became extremely concerned. "How can you possibly carve a place for yourself in this society, if you attach yourself to his common lumber man?" they asked.
But Alice only paid attention to her heart, and she spent her days dreaming of her beloved. She sent secret messages to John by way of loyal servants, who would deliver them and arrange for secret meeting places.
One day, her young man mustered up enough courage to come call on Alice's family. Her brother Allard was furious that Alice would continue to associate with such a commoner and would so blatantly defy his wishes. Despite Alice's pleadings, Allard turned John away.
Alice felt that her very life was being taken from her by her tyrannical brother and unyielding mother. Had they never known love before? Did they not know what it was like to love someone so deeply that it hurt? She was heartbroken, and there was no family member to turn to for a sympathetic shoulder.
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But she was more determined than ever to continue to see John. While her mother and brother continued to search for a worthy husband, Alice secretly accepted an engagement ring from her true love. It was a plain gold ring with a simple inscription:
"Love never fails, John."
Alice loved the ring, but she knew she could never wear it openly on her finger. So she placed it on a blue ribbon to wear around her neck, close to her heart. Her family would come around to accepting her love for John and would accept him into the family, she thought - it was just a matter of time.
