"Yes, of course. And you know how hard up we preachers always are, and we have to economize just fearfully, especially now the Problem is a junior in college—and somehow it takes lots more clothes for her in college than it ever did for me. And you have been so wonderful to us all these three years, and such a help—but now I feel that I am old enough—and that it is my duty and my priceless opportunity to take charge of the family, and then you can go home again and be free to live your own life, and though you have never complained I know how happy it will make you."
"No, indeed," came the quick protest. "I like it here. The salary is nothing extra, but you have done quite a lot of the work, you know. Oh, no indeed, little girl, you must not think of it. Why, it is just time for you to have your play days now your school is over, and we older ones can bear the burdens of life. You must not think of it."
"But I have thought of it," said Doris sweetly. "And father promised I should try. And I am the General."
"You have been planning all these years to go to Chicago and study, and become a missionary. You can not give up your life ambitions now."
"I have changed them," said Doris. "Father wants me, and that is enough."
"He won't let you change them for him."
"Father is the most unselfish thing in the world, I know," smiled Doris. "But father has forgotten that I ever even thought of such a thing—and since he wants me here, it is settled. I shall never think of it again."
"You won't be happy—"
"Oh, Miss Carlton," said Doris, standing up suddenly, tall and straight. "You think I won't be happy staying where father wants me, and filling father's need?"
"But it would be wicked to deny the call to service as—"