“Yes, indeed,” Scoris had answered, “this help to her now will be worth more to her than an extra room to us.”
“Our sympathy without practical help wouldn’t be very cheering,” Helen said, “and I intend to provide for one of the children until they are old enough to provide for themselves.”
“And I shall support the other,” Scoris declared.
“She has had her share of punishment for her willfulness,” her mother remarked, “and the least we can do is to relieve her of some of her burden. How my heart has yearned to see her all these years, and I am willing to give up anything to help her. I think Libra will assist her also, but she must keep herself busy; it is the only thing that will help her to bear this new trial.”
One day Scoris and her mother were having a chat by themselves when Scoris said:
“Mother, do you know that you are constantly spoken of as the mother of the Vivian family?”
“Well, Scoris, why shouldn’t I be called your mother?”
“Because you are as much to be honored as any one, and if, as is the custom now among us, you were called ‘The Hon. Mary Vivian,’ that would settle it without further pretext. Being Tom’s mother is not a personal honor, but being an honorable woman, you should stand the challenge. We are all called ‘Honorable’ but you, and naturally we want you to hold the first rank among our social acquaintances. The title is given so all may know whom to trust.”
“But, Scoris dear, I am not in any business, so what difference does it make? I like the old ways that I am accustomed to. The name of Mrs. Vivian has always designated who I am.”