Then after a time came thoughts of the railway, and at once he began to hope that this might prove a means of vindicating his father's memory. So, without waiting to think a second time, he got pen and ink and paper to write and tell Mr. Andrews of the report he had heard, and to ask that if anything could be saved of their old patrimony, the first use to be made of it should be to pay everyone who had ever lent them money that was not refunded in full.
After this, if there was anything that could be spared, it was to be set aside for his mother and sisters, as he felt sure now that he would always be able to earn enough to keep himself, and consequently would not want any of this money for himself. He was just signing his name to this letter when Molly knocked at the door.
And Arthur felt so relieved by what he had done, that he could meet her with a smile, when in answer to her knock, he said: "Come in, you fidgety puss."
"I have come to see what you are doing," announced Molly, looking at the writing materials on the table.
"Well, you can see I have been writing a letter, and now I am going to address it to Mr. Andrews."
"What have you been writing about?" asked the girl curiously.
"What were we talking about before I came upstairs? Well, I have been thinking it would be better to tell Andrews what we have heard about the railway coming, and if he can save any of the old property, that we should like him to clear off all Papa's old debts first, and then whatever is left should be taken care of for Mamma and you girls. I felt sure it was what you and Annie would wish, and so I have said so."
"Yes, Arthur, that is right, I am sure, but I don't think any difference should be made. It is really your patrimony, and I don't see why you should give it all to us. We might share and share alike perhaps."
"Two bites at a cherry won't satisfy anybody," replied Arthur, "and I am afraid the cherry will be so small, even if it is saved, that there will be only half a bite for anybody after the old debts are paid. I think it will be a lesson to me for all my life never to get into debt," added Arthur.
But Molly did not know how bitter the thought of this was to her brother just now.