“Yes, but there's no time to read nowadays; a fellow has to keep scratching round to make money or he's nobody,” cut in Charlie, trying to look worldly-wise.
“This love of money is the curse of America, and for the sake of it men will sell honour and honesty, till we don't know whom to trust, and it is only a genius like Agassiz who dares to say, 'I cannot waste my time in getting rich,'” said Mrs. Jessie sadly.
“Do you want us to be poor, mother?” asked Archie, wondering.
“No, dear, and you never need be, while you can use your hands; but I am afraid of this thirst for wealth, and the temptations it brings. O, my boys! I tremble for the time when I must let you go, because I think it would break my heart to have you fail as so many fail. It would be far easier to see you dead if it could be said of you as of Sumner 'No man dared offer him a bribe.'”
Mrs. Jessie was so earnest in her motherly anxiety that her voice faltered over the last words, and she hugged the yellow heads closer in her arms, as if she feared to let them leave that safe harbour for the great sea where so many little boats go down. The younger lads nestled closer to her, and Archie said, in his quiet, resolute way,
“I cannot promise to be an Agassiz or a Sumner, mother; but I do promise to be an honest man, please God.”
“Then I'm satisfied!” and holding fast the hand he gave her, she sealed his promise with a kiss that had all a mother's hope and faith in it.
“I don't see how they ever can be bad, she is so fond and proud of them,” whispered Rose, quite touched by the little scene.
“You must help her make them what they should be. You have begun already, and when I see those rings where they are, my girl is prettier in my sight than if the biggest diamonds that ever twinkled shone in her ears,” answered Dr. Alec, looking at her with approving eyes.
“I'm so glad you think I can do anything, for I perfectly ache to be useful; everyone is so good to me, especially Aunt Jessie.”