“You shall have them all,” Grandma Elsie said, “everything that is necessary to enable you to give the business a fair trial.”
“Many thanks, dear Mrs. Travilla,” returned the poor woman, tears of gratitude springing to her eyes; “and if you will kindly consider whatever you may advance me as a loan, I accept your kind offer most gladly.”
“It shall be as you wish,” Mrs. Travilla replied, “but with the distinct understanding that the loan is not to be repaid till you can do it with perfect ease.”
“And I should be glad to have a share in the good work,” remarked the captain. “Let it be my part to gather information on bee culture for you, and help in raising flowers for them to gather honey from. Doubtless they fly long distances in search of such, but it must be an advantage to have plenty near at hand.”
“Ah, sir,” returned Mrs. Allen, “you too are always ready to do every kindness in your power. I hope God, our heavenly Father, will abundantly repay you both. I always think of you when reading the words of the psalmist, ‘Blessed is he that considereth the poor’; for you give not only money, but time and thought and sympathy, considering their needs and how you may best supply them.”
While this talk went on in the parlor Lulu was telling Susan, out in the living-room, what the dresses were needed for, and going into ecstasies of delight over the prospect of her journey to the far West with her father and Max.
Susan sympathized in her pleasure, and promised to do her best toward getting her dresses done in season.
“To Fairview,” was the captain’s order to the coachman, when again they were seated in the carriage.
It was but a few minutes’ drive, and on their arrival Lulu was pleased to find Rosie there with Evelyn, so that she could have the satisfaction of telling her news to both together, and enjoying their surprise. It was quite as great as she had expected.
“How splendid!” cried Rosie. “You are a fortunate girl, Lu. I wonder if I couldn’t persuade mamma and grandpa to get up some such expedition and take me along!”