Louisa M. Alcott.
[By permission of Roberts Bros.]
Characters:
- Mrs. Betsy Devon,
- Christie Devon, her niece.
C. D. Aunt Betsy, there’s going to be a new Declaration of Independence.
Mrs. D. Bless us and save us! what do you mean, child?
C. D. I mean that, being of age, I’m going to take care of myself, and not be a burden any longer. Uncle thinks I ought to go away. I don’t intend to wait for him to tell me so, but, like the people in fairy tales, travel away into the world and seek my fortune. I know I can find it.
Mrs. D. What crazy idee you got in your head now?
C. D. A very sane and sensible one, that’s got to be worked out. I’ve had it a long time, and I’ve thought it over thoroughly, so I’m sure it’s the right thing to do. I hate to be dependent, and, now there’s no need of it, I can’t bear it any longer. I’m old enough to take care of myself, and if I’d been a boy I should have been told to do it long ago. I’m sick of this dull town, where the one idea is, Eat, drink, and get rich; so let me go, Aunt Betsy, and find my place, wherever it is.
Mrs. D. You mustn’t think your uncle don’t like you. He does, only he don’t show it. I don’t see why you can’t be contented. I’ve lived here all my days, and never found the place lonesome.