Book account

I did see her on the terrace, and saw your wife,
too, and I liked the child, and want her for my own, to train as I
please and to bring up to some useful occupation, so that, if
necessary, she can earn her own living. There has been too much
false pride in our family on account of birth and blood. The idea
that because you are born a gentleman or lady you must not work is
absurd. Would it not be more honorable to sweep the streets, or
scour knives and pare potatoes, than to sponge one's living out of
strangers who despise you in then hearts even when inviting you to
their houses? We have men, and women too, in America who do not work
but get their living from others, and we call them tramps, and have
them arrested as vagrants. But that is neither here nor there. I
want you to give little Betsey to me, and she, at least, will never
regret it. But don't let me hope of a fortune influence you, for my
will was made years ago, and not a McPherson is remembered in it.


Pages:
96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120