"No one, uncle; it was entirely her own idea; perhaps suggested by the thought of her proposed gifts to those she leaves behind."
"Very likely; but let her forget it. I do not want to encourage her spending money upon my family."
"But her heart is very full of it, uncle, and I really think it would help to reconcile her to leaving Viamede. I'm afraid, uncle, that is going to be a hard trial for the little creature; for she dearly loves her home, and her people, as she calls the negroes."
"She will soon forget it all, and perhaps like Roselands quite as well. Childish griefs are not lasting."
"But terribly hard while they do last, uncle. I am not so old yet as to have forgotton that."
"No?" he said with a smile, followed by a sigh. "Ah, well, I'm sorry for the little thing, but don't see how it can be helped."
"But you will lessen the trial by humoring her in this and everything else that is reasonable?" persisted Mildred, in her most persuasive tone.
"Well, well, if I must, I must, I suppose! What an excellent advocate you are. But really I feel ashamed to allow it."
"Ah, uncle, it's your turn now," said Mildred, laughing. "I had mine in Philadelphia. But isn't Elsie rich enough to be allowed to spend such an amount on her own gratification?"
"Humph! what amount, pray? Ah, I have you there?" he added, laughing at her perplexed look.