“I should be glad to do anything in my power, Mr. Endicott,” she said. “Tell me how to begin. For though I have given money, I am learning to understand that something else is needed.”
“Yes,” he answered. “Most of these people are honest and industrious and would work if they could get it to do. Charity in its broad, bold sense does mortify them.”
“I heard Kenton speaking of some woodland he wanted cleared. One of our men went away in the fall and we have been rather short-handed. Now if some one would undertake it—”
“Just the thing,” interposed papa. “And—I wanted to send the Widow Maxwell a barrel of flour. She has nothing but potatoes in the house, I know.”
“Make out a list and I will see what I can do. We borrow Miss Fanny so often that I wish to make all the return in my power. Lucy enjoys her society so much.”
“And she gives me so much in return,” said Fanny, warmly. “Why, I am getting to be quite an artist. I may be tempted to accept Miss Maynard’s offer after all.”
“What was that?”
Fanny and I explained.
“I suppose it is a temptation for a young girl to wish to distinguish herself. And yet—you are all so happy here that I should be sorry to see a break.”
“There will be none yet awhile,” replied mamma. “I want my girls to learn some useful home lessons first. I do not know but there is as high and worthy an art in managing and saving and in making happiness as in earning money.”