But I'm afraid, Uncle,
that I don't see where earning my living has any part in it. It seems to
me that it means your spending more money for me, paying my tuition."
"No more'n I'd spend for a competent housekeeper. Honest, Caroline, I'd
like to do it. You think it over a spell."
She did, visiting the University and making inquiries. What she was told
there decided her. She took up the course and enjoyed it. It occupied
her mind and prevented her brooding over the past. She might have made
many friends among the other students, but she was careful to treat
them only as acquaintances. Her recent experience with "friends" was too
fresh in her mind. She studied hard and applied her knowledge at home.
She and Annie made some odd and funny mistakes at first, but they were
not made twice, and Captain Elisha noticed a great improvement in the
housekeeping. Also, Caroline's spirits improved, though more slowly.
Most evenings they spent together in the living room. She read aloud to
her uncle, who smoked his cigar and listened, commenting on the doings
of the story folk with characteristic originality and aptitude. Each
night, after the reading was over, he wrote his customary note to Abbie
Baker at South Denboro. He made one flying trip to that village: "Just
to prove to 'em that I'm still alive," as he explained it.
Pages:
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395