Read Online The Hesitant Hero by Gilbert Morris - Free Book Online Page A

“Why—it’s you!”
    “It’s me,” Tyler said with a broad smile. He was shocked at how glad he was to see her again. “I have bad manners like all Americans. Just come rushing in without an invitation.”
    “Not at all.” Jolie came close to him and put her hand on his arm. “It’s good to see you, Tyler, but it is a surprise.”
    “I came to Paris to study painting. I didn’t expect I would get to see you, but things happened and here I am.”
    “Well, you came at an opportune moment,” Marvel said quickly, seeing that her daughter was apparently at a loss for words. “It’s very fortunate that I cooked enough for three. By all means you must have dinner with us.”
    “Oh no, I couldn’t—”
    “I insist. Come. I will show you where you can wash up and refresh yourself.”
    Marvel led the way out of the room and showed the American to the guest room. “I will bring you some hot water.”
    “Oh, please, Madame Vernay, don’t bother.”
    “It is no bother. I’m glad to have company, especially from America. And you even speak French.”
    “Not very well, but I’m learning.”
    “Wait here and I will get the water.”
    Marvel went back to the kitchen and took the kettle off the stove. “You did not expect him?” she asked her daughter.
    “No, I didn’t.”
    “I remember what you said about him. But let me take the water.” She left the room while Jolie continued setting the table.
    When her mother returned, Jolie said, “I can’t imagine why he’s here.”
    “He said he came to study painting. You told me he was an artist.”
    “He didn’t mention a thing about coming to France when I knew him.”
    Marvel studied her daughter’s face. “You’re upset by his arrival?”
    “No, not exactly. I’m just shocked.”
    Marvel said no more, but she knew her daughter well enough to know that she was perturbed. After a moment Tyler appeared at the door, and she said, “Come and sit down. It’s all ready.”
    “I feel terrible barging in like this. I should have written.”
    “It’s no bother,” Marvel said. “I’ll ask the blessing.” She bowed her head and immediately Tyler glanced at Jolie and bowed his own.
    “Lord, we thank you for this food and for this visitor. We ask you to help us love you more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
    The meal consisted of beef roast flavored with Burgundy, new potatoes in a white cream sauce, tiny peas with pearl onions, and chunks of thick, hard bread slathered with sweet-tasting butter.
    “This is very good indeed, Madame Vernay,” Tyler said. “I’ve always heard about delicious French cooking, and if this is a sample, then what I’ve heard is correct.”
    After Jolie had told her mother about how the two of them had met, she started to question Tyler about why he had come to France and what his plans were.
    “I came into enough money to come to France and study painting,” Tyler told them, toying with his fragile teacup. It looked very small in his hands as he turned it around and around. “I might as well have stayed in America.”
    “Why do you say that, monsieur?” Marvel asked. She was interested in the young American and saw that he was embarrassed by her question. “But I do not mean to pry.”
    “I might as well tell you. My professor at the art school in Paris said that I don’t have any talent.”
    “And what do you think?” Marvel asked.
    The question seemed to trouble Tyler. “Well,” he said, “he’s the expert. He should know.”
    “The experts do not know everything, and they are often wrong. Isn’t that true, Jolie?”
    “I think Maman is right. You should not let someone else’s opinion decide your future.”
    “That is exactly right,” Marvel said with great determination. “I advise you to throw yourself into painting. Forget about that art instructor.”
    Tyler laughed. “I see where Jolie gets her direct ways.”
    “It’s always best to be direct.” Marvel smiled and added, “I don’t have a great