“True, of course, but you have not proven it to be so yet. You speak from hearsay and from book knowledge. You have not had to make the sorry experience your own yet.”
“Why, Jimmy! Don’t you call my losses the test?” said Natalie, offended that Mrs. James should consider her limited condition anything less than a calamity.
The lady laughed. “Child, you have a lovely home and land free and clear of debt. It is worth at least ten thousand dollars right now. With judicious handling it will be worth four times that sum in a few years. You have Rachel and me to live with you and love and cherish you—as well as protect you. You have Mr. Marvin to take all charge of your business interests, and last, but not least—you have four loyal young friends who stick to you whether you have money or not. This is far from being thrown on the cold mercy of the world!”
Natalie thought deeply over this but she said nothing.
“Well, let’s get busy packing, Jimmy! I want to get away this week, if we can.”
“Are you not going back for the afternoon session of school?” asked Mrs. James, surprised.
“Didn’t I tell you I was free now? I do not have to return except for exams. The classes are only reviewing the last term’s work now, so I do not have to report for that.”
“Oh, how nice! Then we will get to work at once.”
By afternoon of Wednesday, all baggage was out of the apartment, and the three occupants were prepared to leave early in the morning. Mr. Marvin had been notified and he said the key for Green Hill house was at the general store. Mrs. Tompkins would give it to them. Mr. Tompkins had followed his wife’s advice and stocked up the kitchen and pantry with whatever groceries Rachel would need to begin with.
“Isn’t that thoughtful of the Tompkins, Natalie?” said Mrs. James gratefully.