"But Betty'll want no end of things. It does seem as if 'Lecty had turned into a fine lady. Whether it would be a good influence on Betty! She's never been serious yet."
"And Electa joined the church at fourteen. I think you can trust Betty with her. To be sure, Mat's prospered beyond everything."
Prosperity and every good gift came from the Lord, Mrs. Leverett fully believed. And yet David had seen the "ungodly in great prosperity." She had a mother's pride in Mr. and Mrs. King, but they were rather gay with dinner parties and everything.
"She will have to take Betty just as she is. Her clothes are good enough."
Mr. Leverett re-read the letter. He wasn't much judge of white hats and wide ribbons, and, since the time was short, perhaps Electa could help her to spend the money to better advantage, and there would be no worry. He would just slip a bill or two in Betty's hand toward the last.
"Betty's a nice-looking girl," said her father.
"I should be sorry to have her niceness all come out in looks," said Betty's mother.
There was no reply to this.
"I really do not think she ought to go. There will be other winters."
"Well—we will sleep on the matter. We can't tell about next winter."