"No, it isn't to be divided equally: papa says you are to have fifteen dollars, and Gracie ten,—because you are older than she is, you know."
"But she's better, and deserves more than I," said Lulu. "Anyway, she shall have half, if she wants it."
"No, she doesn't," said Max. "I told her about it; and she thinks ten dollars, to do just what she pleases with, is a great fortune."
"When will you get it, Max?"
"What,—the money? Not till after we go North. Grandpa Dinsmore says it will be best to wait till then, as we won't care to spend any of it here. O Lu!—you are going along, I suppose?—what does papa say about—about what you told him in your last letter?"
"You may read for yourself, Max," replied Lulu, putting the note into his hand.
She watched his face while he read, and knew by its expression that he was sorry for her, even before he said so, as he handed it back.
"But perhaps papa may change his mind, if you keep on being as good as you have been ever since you left that school," he added. "But you haven't told me yet whether you are still to go North with us, or not."
"Yes: mamma Vi says I am. She says papa says in his letter to her, that they may do what they think best with me for the present: and they will take me along. It's good in them, isn't it?"
To that Max gave a hearty assent. "They are the kindest people in the world," he said.