"
I felt too sorrowful to reply, and my temper had quite expended itself.
I waited until he arose from the table and then followed him into the
library. He looked surprised, but very politely handed me a chair. I
bowed my thanks, but did not sit down; I stood opposite him with only
the study table between us. I was nervous, and half afraid to ask my
question, but summoning all my courage I broke the silence by
saying:--"Mr. Winthrop, will you please tell me if I am rich or poor?"'
"That is a comparative question," he answered with provoking coolness.
"Compared with Jay Gould or Vanderbilt, I should say your means were
limited; but, on the other hand, to measure your riches with your widowed
friends, most persons would allow your circumstances to be affluent."
"But have I any money left after my board and other expenses are paid?"
He smiled sarcastically. "I do not take boarders; it has never been our
custom at Oaklands."
I was getting angry and retorted:--"I shall not eat any man's bread
without paying for it, if he were a hundred times my guardian."
"But if you had no money wherewith to pay him; what then?"
"I have an education; with that surely I can earn my living as well as
Esmerelda. My knowledge of French and German will help me to a situation,
if nothing else."
"If I say you must not leave here; that I will not permit my ward to work
for her living?" he questioned.
"If I resolve to be independent, and earn something beside, to help the
poor, can you compel me to a life of ease and uselessness?"
"Ah, I see what is troubling you--the widows are on your mind.
Pages:
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82