"I don't care if it takes all the estate; I presume there is enough to do it," said Edna decidedly.
"Of course there's enough and more than enough, but I should not be justified or permitted to use any funds in that way. So there's no use in saying anything more about it now. When you come of age, why then, we can talk it over again if you're of the same mind. Now, Edna," continued Mr. Mumbie, taking up a roll of paper, "I've got something to show you that will interest you. I have prepared and completed, after a great deal of labor, an inventory of your late lamented father's estate. The estimates are, if anything, in many cases below the real values. Here is the schedule—and what do you think it all foots up? What do you think it all amounts to in dollars and cents?"
"I don't know," replied Edna. "A great deal, I've no doubt."
"But guess—try and guess," insisted Mr. Mumbie with an air of triumph.
"Please don't ask me; I'd rather not," said Edna seriously.
"Rather not!" repeated Mr. Mumbie with astonishment; "why, bless me, why not? Don't you want to know how much you are worth?"
"No—no—" said Edna quickly, and shaking her head.
"Why—why not?"
"Because—because—" said Edna, her eyes suddenly moistening, and sensitive mouth quivering.
Mr. Mumbie looked perplexed. "Why, Edna, it is clearly your duty that you should gain some knowledge of the way in which the vast fortune you have inherited is invested. You must begin to learn something about it, and about taking care of it. It is very seldom that so young a person is so fortunate as to have such riches left them, and—"