"And you are too proud to accept any aid from me?"
"No, sir; I want your counsel and guidance, and I want to be with you to show you that I do thank you for all your goodness; but I want to cost you as little as possible."
"You do not expect to depend on me always, then?" said he, smiling despite himself.
"No, sir; only till I am able to teach. If you are willing to do this, I shall be glad to go back, very glad; but not unless you are." She looked as firm as her guardian.
"Better stipulate also that you are to wear nothing more expensive than bit calico." He seemed much amused.
"Indeed, sir, I am not jesting at all. If you will take care of me while I am educating myself, I shall be very grateful to you; but I am not going to be adopted."
"Very well. Then I will try to take care of you. I have signed your treaty; are you ready to come home?"
"Yes, sir; glad to come." Her fingers closed confidingly over his, and they joined Mrs. Williams in the hall below. A brief explanation from Beulah sufficed for the rejoicing matron, and soon she was borne rapidly from the asylum. Dr. Hartwell was silent until they reached home, and Beulah was going to her own room, when he asked suddenly:
"What was it that you wished to ask me about the evening of the ride?"
"That I might go to the public school."