There is a wonderful story from long ago about a man in Maine named Ike who was exceedingly shy. Ike fell in love with a beautiful young maiden named Anna. Anna seemed to Ike to be too wonderful for him to ever ask her to be his wife. So, he went on loving her in silence for ten years.

He remained single, as did she. During this time, he built a fine house, with a barn and outbuildings, and a beautiful rock garden. Still, though he was very much in love with her, he hadn’t yet dared to propose.

Finally, after ten years went by, all the improvements to his property were finished. He invited Anna and her family to come over and see his estate.  Together they all went through the house and then out to visit the rock garden. Finally he managed to get Anna separated from her family, and they …