“Don’t you cry, dearie,” he begged. “I won’t bother you any more. You can tell me some other time—if you want to. Or you needn’t tell me at all. It’s all right; only don’t cry. ’Cause if you do,” with sudden determination, “I shall cry, too; and, bein’ as I ain’t used to the exercise, I may raise such a row that Annie’ll send for the constable. You wouldn’t want that to happen, I know.”
This unexpected announcement had the desired effect; Caroline laughed hysterically and freed herself from his arm.
“I mustn’t be so silly,” she said. “I had made up my mind to tell you everything, and I shall. My not caring for Mr. Pearson was not my reason for refusing him. The reasons were two—you and Steve.”
“Me and Steve? What in the world have we got to do with it?”
“Everything. He would marry me, poor as I am; and perhaps I—perhaps I should say yes if things were different. Oh, there is no use my deceiving you, or trying to deceive myself! I know I should say yes, and be very, very happy. But I can’t! and I won’t! I won’t!”
“But why? And where, for mercy’s sake, do Steve and I come in?”
“Uncle Elisha, I suppose you think I have been perfectly satisfied to let you take care of me and of my brother, and give us a home and all that we needed and more. No doubt you thought me selfish enough to be contented with that and go on as I am—as we are—living on your bounty. You had reason to think so. But I have not been contented with that, nor has Steve. He and I have made our plans, and we shall carry them out. He will leave college in two years and go to work in earnest. Before that time I shall be ready to teach. I have been studying with just that idea in view.”
“Good land! Why, no, you ain’t! You’ve been studyin’ to help me and Annie run this house.”
“That was only part of it—the smallest part. I haven’t told you before, Uncle, but one of the Domestic Science teachers at the University is a girl I used to know slightly. She is going to be married next year, and, if all goes well, I may be appointed to her position when she leaves. I have a conditional promise already. If I am, why, then, you see, I shall really be earning my own living; you will not have to give up your own home and all your interests there to make me comfortable: you can—”
“Here! here!” Captain Elisha put in, desperately; “don’t talk so ridiculous, Caroline. I ain’t givin’ up anything. I never was more happy than I’ve been right here with you this summer. I’m satisfied.”