"Never mind, Grandpa; we'll take all the blame," laughed Rosie, jumping up to run and put her arms round his neck and give him a kiss. He returned it, drew her to his knee, and went on with his remarks. "You all know, of course, that I refer to the negroes, who were forcibly torn from their own land and enslaved in this. We must educate and evangelize them: as a debt we owe them, and also for the salvation of our country, whose liberties will be greatly imperilled by their presence and possession of the elective franchise, if they are left to ignorance and vice." "Grandpa, what do you mean by the elective franchise?" asked Walter going to the side of the old gentleman's chair. "The right to vote at elections, my son. You can see, can't you, what harm might come from it." "Yes, sir; they might help to put bad men into office; some of themselves maybe; and bad men would be likely to make bad laws, and favor rogues. Oh yes, sir, I understand it!" "Then perhaps you may want to help provide for the instruction of the colored race as well as of the Indians?" "Yes, sir, I would like to. I hope the thousand dollars may be enough to help the work for both." "I think it will; that your mother will be satisfied to have you divide it into two or more portions, that several good objects may receive some aid from it." "Will you, mamma?" asked Walter, turning to her. "Yes, I think it would perhaps be the wisest way." "And besides," said Rosie, "mamma is going to give us young ones a chance to earn money for benevolence by paying us for good behavior. I know we ought to be good without other reward than that of a good conscience, but I'm quite delighted with the plan for all that." "I too," said Walter, looking greatly pleased. "Thank you, mamma dear. How much is it you're going to give us?" "Twenty-five cents for every day on which I have no occasion to find fault with either your conduct or recitations." "A new idea, daughter, isn't it?" queried Mr. Dinsmore. "Yes, sir; and not original. I learned at Woodburn to-day, that the captain was going to try the plan with his children. I trust it meets your approval? I might better have consulted with you before announcing my intention to adopt it." "That was not at all necessary," he returned pleasantly. "But I quite approve, and trust, you will find it work to your entire satisfaction." "Talking of helping the blacks, and thinking of the advice so often given, 'Do the work nearest at hand,' it strikes me it would be well for us to begin with those in our own house and on the plantation," remarked Edward.