“What you say is probably true, my boy,” replied his mother; “but the question is what to do and how to do it.”
“Well, suppose we settle it now,” said Herbert resolutely.
“Can’t we postpone the thing for a day or so?” asked Mrs. Harkins anxiously.
“Yes,” responded Herbert, “we could; but there is nothing like doing to-day, instead of postponing until to-morrow.”
“In that case,” said his mother, “I think you had better continue going to school until the close of the present term, at least.”
“That’s bully!” exclaimed Herbert heartily. “I am going to put my mind on my studies, and I don’t think I’ll be a blockhead when the term is over.”
“That’s true,” responded his mother sadly. “But there is another feature of the case that gives me great sorrow.”
“What is it?” asked Herbert.
“Your college education,” replied his mother. “You know it was your father’s fondest wish, as well as my own, that after leaving the Cleverly School you should take the four year course at St. Joseph’s College. I don’t see how it can be done now.”
Herbert hung his head and said nothing. The necessity of abandoning this cherished project was a severer blow to him than he was willing to admit to his mother. He had dreamed of a professional career and often thought that if he were able to go through the College he would be fitted to take the necessary examination for either the legal or the medical profession. But now his dream was over; he was an only son, and his duty to his mother was clear. Mr. and Mrs. Harkins were the parents of three other children; but each of these had died in early infancy; and now the great heap of earth which covered the remains of the lamented father of the house was in close proximity to the three little mounds which were watered and kept green by the tender care and love which only a mother can understand and give. Herbert thought of all these things as he sat silent that day. Presently he lifted his head and spoke to his mother.