Mabel laughed. “But you have your career all cut out for you, a talent to cultivate which is a gift the fairies did not bestow upon me.”
“How do you know you haven’t a talent? What career appeals to you?”
“Something that would be for the good of mankind. I’d like to go into social service, but Gran would be horrified, be scared lest I should lower my position in life by washing the faces of dirty little children. I might bring home germs, or some one might see me speaking to one of the lower classes; that would never do. I have thought of teaching, training for some special subject, but it would mean that I might rob one more deserving of a salary. I don’t want to be a secretary, nor do I want to go into business. Those who need to make a living should not be thrust aside by those whose living is assured; that is what destroys the balance. So, there you are, Ellen. What shall I do?”
“How do you know but your vocation may be that of home-maker?” returned Ellen laughing.
“Bah! I didn’t expect that of you, Ellen. I see no prospect of such a career at present. I am twenty years old, and it is time I was turning my attention to something definite. It is all very well for you to talk, who know exactly what you are going to do.”
“What am I going to do?”
“Cultivate your musical talents, your lovely voice and all that. Go to the city and study, of course.”
“And desert Cousin Rindy? Oh, no, I couldn’t do that. I shall stand by in Marshville as long as she needs me. When she doesn’t, I’ll begin to think of something else.”
“But you wouldn’t have to desert her; she could go to the city with you and take a little apartment.”
“Do you think we are bloated bond-holders? No, no, Marshville must be my home as long as it is Cousin Rindy’s.”