Three hundred pounds!—just the amount Stephen said she would need. Phebe stood speechless.
"Say, dear, won't you?" repeated Mrs. Colston.
"Why, of course I will; am only too delighted. It is the wonder of it that made me quiet. You are good—so very good—and I'll see to it you shall never lose the money," lifting up a face full of love-light.
"You are not to trouble about that. If it is lost it is lost; I shall not mind so long as we're partners. But there is something else I want to ask you, and this you may not grant because it is asking so much."
"I am sure you cannot ask anything I should not be only too happy to grant."
"If you are going to manage the business, who is going to look after the housekeeping and the children? You cannot do all."
"No, I cannot." Then after a pause: "God, who has helped me thus far so wondrously, in such an unexpected way, will certainly make that clear also."
"So He will!" jubilantly exclaimed the dear old body. "So He will, only He will let me do it for Him. It's just splendid to be on errands like this!"
"Whatever do you mean?" Phebe was bewildered.
"I mean this: let me come and live with you and be your housekeeper and nurse! I am tired of living alone, tired of my musical-box, and tired of having no one to show bits of love to when I've a mind to. Will you let me? I'll be so good if you will."