"Everything depends upon brother's success," Susan said, presently. "We must give up everything for him."
"I cannot forget I have two children," the mother said, kissing the girl again more tenderly than before.
"Two children; but only one that will be a blessing to you," Susan said, brushing away a tear.
"Don't say that, Susie. I am proud of Daniel, I do not deny that—but I love you, too, all the same."
"But you never can be proud of me, weak and deformed as I am! Oh, mother, why are some flowers made so beautiful and fragrant, and some so dark and noisome? Why was my brother so fair, so talented, and I so repulsive?"
"No, no, no, not repulsive; don't say that," the widow cried, putting her arms around the girl in a sheltering way.
"Do you think Daniel will let me go to see him take his diploma, mother?"
"You would not be able, dear."
The girl laughed bitterly.
"No; brother would say I was not able, too. But I should be glad, so very glad to see him graduate. I think I would be willing to die then."