"Edna, I believe I have never spoken a word to you about business matters. I thought it would be as well to get everything into shape before I said anything. Of course it is something that you don't know much about, and yet I suppose I ought to ascertain if you've any wishes in regard to the management of the estate, and so forth. If so, I am ready to take them into consideration," said Mr. Mumbie. "I have one wish, sir," said Edna. "Well, what is it?" "I should like to have father's intentions carried out in regard to building the Home and the Hospital, exactly as if he were alive," said Edna earnestly. "But, my child, that would cost a great deal of money, a very great deal, and--" "I don't care if it takes all the estate; I presume there is enough to do it," said Edna decidedly. "Of course there's enough and more than enough, but I should not be justified or permitted to use any funds in that way. So there's no use in saying anything more about it now. When you come of age, why then, we can talk it over again if you're of the same mind. Now, Edna," continued Mr. Mumbie, taking up a roll of paper, "I've got something to show you that will interest you. I have prepared and completed, after a great deal of labor, an inventory of your late lamented father's estate. The estimates are, if anything, in many cases below the real values. Here is the schedule--and what do you think it all foots up? What do you think it all amounts to in dollars and cents?" "I don't know," replied Edna. "A great deal, I've no doubt." "But guess--try and guess," insisted Mr. Mumbie with an air of triumph. "Please don't ask me; I'd rather not," said Edna seriously. "Rather not!" repeated Mr. Mumbie with astonishment; "why, bless me, why not? Don't you want to know how much you are worth?" "No--no--" said Edna quickly, and shaking her head. "Why--why not?" "Because--because--" said Edna, her eyes suddenly moistening, and sensitive mouth quivering. Mr. Mumbie looked perplexed. "Why, Edna, it is clearly your duty that you should gain some knowledge of the way in which the vast fortune you have inherited is invested. You must begin to learn something about it, and about taking care of it. It is very seldom that so young a person is so fortunate as to have such riches left them, and--" Edna burst into tears. "Oh, please, sir, don't say anything to me about it now. I suppose it's very wrong in me, but they all talk to me so about my wealth, that it makes me feel wretched. They appear to envy me--and to think I ought to be so happy in being rich, until it seems as if they thought I had profited by my poor--poor father's death. I wish I were poor and had nothing."