“You are not going to lose me,” assured Uncle Obed. “Do you think I am going to live alone? I should die of loneliness. No! You and Harry go with me, and I shall take the liberty of paying all the expenses of housekeeping.”
“How kind you are, Uncle Obed,” said Harry.
“No, I’m not. I’m a selfish old man, looking out for what will make my home happy. And that’s not all. Mrs. Gilbert, didn’t you tell me you had a sister—a dressmaker in New York—in poor health.”
“Yes, poor Maria. She is in poor health, but cannot afford a vacation.”
“You shall offer her a home with you. There’s plenty of room in Carrington’s house. She will be company for all of us, especially when Master Harry goes to college.”
“When I go to college!” Harry ejaculated.
“Certainly! Wouldn’t you like it?”
“Very much; but it would take so many years, when I could be earning nothing.”
“I will see that you are provided for, Harry; but I don’t want you to go away from home at present, if it can be avoided. Isn’t there any one in the village with whom you can prepare for college?”
“Mr. Rodman, the minister, is an excellent scholar, and I am sure he would be glad to take a pupil.”