“That is true.”
“Consider, on the other hand, that I could give you a good home at once, and relieve you from all pecuniary anxiety. Your little Katy needs better advantages than you can give her. She seems to have a taste for music. I should have her at once commence lessons on the piano, and would take care that she should receive as good an education as money could procure. For her sake, Mrs. Raymond, I hope you will reconsider your decision.”
Mrs. Raymond had often lamented her inability to have Katy properly educated, and the squire could have used no argument more potent.
“If I thought it would be right,” said the widow, hesitatingly.
“Think what a difference it will make in Katy half a dozen years hence. Of course, if I am personally disagreeable to you—”
“No, no, my kind friend; do not think that,” said Mrs. Raymond, hastily. “But I do not know what to say. The proposal is so new and unexpected that I cannot make up my mind at once what it is right for me to do.”
“I will not ask you to decide at once. Take three days for it, and if you have any friend whom you trust, ask that friend’s advice. Will you do so?”
“Yes,” said the widow, “I will do as you advise. I will think over your proposal, and I will try to decide in three days’ time.”
“Then I will call on Tuesday to receive your decision. Let me hope it will be favorable.”