"You do not have to use your education in teaching school, unless you wish to," he explained patiently. "But it will fit you for a better social position." He realized that this was over her head and kindly simplified it. "I mean that the more you learn, the nicer friends you will have and the more things you will find to interest you."
"I know enough now," Hephzibah insisted calmly, "for anybody that ain't a teacher. When I went to district school I learned to read and write and figure, and I 'most always stood up till near the last when we had spelling matches. Oh, I've got an education all right."
"Possibly, my child, it would be better to rely on the judgment of some one else." His manner was patiently paternal.
Hephzibah Diggs shuffled her feet noisily. "I guess I know enough to 'tend to my own affairs," she said, her tone truculent.
"I'm not so sure about that, Hephzibah. I think you would do much better to take advice."
"How'd you like it yourself if folks you didn't know came butting in, telling you how to manage your business?"
"If it was meant kindly, I should be grateful."
"Oh, very well." He could hear that she was breathing hard. "Then I'll tell you that for a sensible man you're making as big a botch of your affairs as anybody I ever knew of."
Forbes was unfeignedly astonished. "Why, Hephzibah, you don't know what you're talking about."