Wishing Carpet

The story centers around Glen Darrow, a young girl with vivid red hair, and Luke Manders, a wild young man from the mountains. When Glen is 6 years old, her mother points out an exotic rug in their home that she has wished on for years, hoping it would grant her things she could never have. Glen says she will wish on it properly when the time comes. Years later, Glen's father, a doctor, encounters Luke Manders, a fierce and arrogant mountain youth, while visiting Luke's great-grandmother. Despite Luke's hostility, Glen's father sees potential in the boy and tries unsuccessfully to persuade Luke to leave the mountains and get an education. After the great-grandmother dies, a wounded Luke shows up at the doctor's home, compelled by her dying wish. The doctor and Glen take Luke in and care for him. Luke reluctantly agrees to live in town, work at the mill, and get some schooling. He makes rapid progress, while Glen grows up determined to help the less fortunate mountain people and mill workers. She plans to marry Luke when she turns 19, per her father's wish. On her 19th birthday, Luke is made mill superintendent and declares he will own the mill within 5 years. (Amazon)