And not only that, but to Steve. Someone must provide a
home for him. Neither he nor I will permit you to do it a day longer
than is necessary. I am his sister and I shall not leave him."
"But you won't have to leave him. Steve's future's all fixed. I've
provided for Steve."
"What do you mean?"
"What I say." The captain was very much excited and, for once,
completely off his guard. "I've had plans for Steve all along. He's
doin' fust-rate in that broker's office, learnin' the trade. Next summer
he'll have another whack at it and learn more. When he's out of college
I'm goin' to turn over your dad's seat on the Stock Exchange to him. Not
give it to him, you know--not right off--but let him try; and then, if
he makes a good fist at it, he'll have it permanent. Steve's got the
best chance in the world. He couldn't ask much better, seems to me. You
ain't got to fret yourself about Steve."
He paused, almost out of breath. He had been speaking rapidly so as to
prevent interruption. Caroline's astonishment was too great for words,
just then. Her uncle anxiously awaited her reply.
"You see, don't you?" he asked. "You understand. Steve's goin' to have
the chance to make a good livin' at the very thing he declares he's set
on doin'. I ain't told him, and I don't want you to, but it's what I've
planned for him and--"
"Wait! wait, Uncle, please! The Stock Exchange seat? Father's seat? I
don't see.
Pages:
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432