"Yes; it is too bad for her education to be stopped. She is a
conscientious student, in spite of her pranks, and I cannot endure
the thought of her going into a dry-goods store as a clerk,"
Katherine replied.
"But the will states that the legacy is to be used for 'a European
tour, or a wedding trousseau, or--'"
"I know; but, mamma, I've had my European tour with you--such a
lovely one, too!" Katherine interposed; "while as for the
trousseau"--this with a faint smile--"that is a possible need so
far away in the dim distance as to be absolutely invisible at
present. So if you will let me use the money for Jennie I shall be
happy, and I am sure it will be 'bread' well 'cast upon the
waters.'"
"Dear heart!" replied her mother, in a voice that was not quite
steady, "it is a lovely thought; but we cannot decide so important
a matter without consulting your father. If he approves you have
my hearty sanction."'
John Minturn, big-hearted, whole-souled, and always ready to lend
a helping hand to a needy brother or sister, was deeply touched by
Katherine's generosity.
"Well, 'my girlie,' I guess you can do about as you have a mind to
with grandma's legacy," he said, when she unfolded her plan to
him. "To be sure she stated what it might be used for, but I think
she meant you to get what you most wanted with it. You've had the
trip abroad, as you say, and"--with a twinkle in his eyes that
brought the color to her cheeks--"when the wedding finery is
needed--which I hope won't be for a long time yet--I imagine it
will promptly be forthcoming."
"Thank you, papa. I wonder if any other girl manages to get her
own way as often as I do!" said the happy maiden, as she gave his
ear a playful tweak and supplemented it with a kiss on his lips.
"Well, Miss Philanthropy, for once I'll concede that it is an
irresistible 'way,'" he retorted, then added more seriously: "And
I think we will insist that Miss Wild shall return to Hilton as a
regular student and have no outside duties to handicap her in the
race, for the next three years."
"That was my own thought, too, papa; but"--with a look of
perplexity--"there are nearly three weeks before school opens, and
I am wondering what she will do with herself during that time."
"Oh, that is easily managed; tell her to board with some nice
family, and be getting her finery in order. Judging from what is
going on upstairs, she'll need a few stitches taken as well as
some other people whom I know," returned the man, with a chuckle;
for, unlike the majority of his kind, he took a deep interest in
the apparel of his wife and daughter, especially in the "pretty
nothings" which add so much to the tout ensemble.
But upon confiding her plans to Mrs. Seabrook, that lady at once
vetoed the boarding proposition.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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