"
"Me and Steve? What in the world have we got to do with it?"
"Everything. He would marry me, poor as I am; and perhaps I--perhaps
I should say yes if things were different. Oh, there is no use my
deceiving you, or trying to deceive myself! I know I should say yes, and
be very, very happy. But I can't! and I won't! I WON'T!"
"But why? And where, for mercy's sake, do Steve and I come in?"
"Uncle Elisha, I suppose you think I have been perfectly satisfied to
let you take care of me and of my brother, and give us a home and all
that we needed and more. No doubt you thought me selfish enough to be
contented with that and go on as I am--as we are--living on your bounty.
You had reason to think so. But I have not been contented with that, nor
has Steve. He and I have made our plans, and we shall carry them out. He
will leave college in two years and go to work in earnest. Before that
time I shall be ready to teach. I have been studying with just that idea
in view."
"Good land! Why, no, you ain't! You've been studyin' to help me and
Annie run this house."
"That was only part of it--the smallest part. I haven't told you before,
Uncle, but one of the Domestic Science teachers at the University is a
girl I used to know slightly. She is going to be married next year, and,
if all goes well, I may be appointed to her position when she leaves.
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