“Only till you are able to work again?” he said with a slight smile. “Really I fear my niece Ethel has some obstinacy in her nature; yet that is not altogether a bad thing; it is much to be preferred to vacillation, I think; yet young people should be willing to be guided and controlled to some extent at least by older ones who have claims to their respect and obedience.”
“Yes, sir, I acknowledge that,” she said with a slight sigh, “and I intend to try to obey you and Uncle George in all that I can.”
“That is right,” he responded with a pleased look, “and remember you have no need to be troubled with anxious cares, for your Uncle George and I will see that you and the rest are provided with all necessary things. Now I will leave you to take another nap. Good-by, dear child,” giving her a parting kiss; “I shall be in again in a day or two to see how you are getting along. Now, Blanche,” as he and his younger niece left the room together, “show me about the house and let me see how comfortable you have managed to make yourselves.”
Blanche obeyed very willingly, for she was right proud of Ethel’s success in making so good and comfortable a home for them all, and Uncle Albert noted and commended all that was worthy of it, and made no remarks about the defects that he perceived. He said truly that he thought they had done wonders, while at the same time he mentally resolved that if they persisted in staying there, many a comfort and convenience should be added to their slender store.
In taking leave he put some money into Blanche’s hand, bidding her see that Ethel was well fed, for he was sure she needed nourishing food and rest more than anything else.
“Oh, uncle, thank you!” Blanche exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Yes, indeed, I’m sure she does, and I’ll see that she has it.”
At that moment Nannette came rushing in through the store, Harry following.
“Oh, Uncle Albert!” they cried at sight of him, Nannette springing forward and holding up her face for a kiss, adding, “It’s such a long while that I haven’t seen you, and I’m so glad you’ve come to see us at last.”
“Ah, little one! I thought you had forgotten all about Uncle Albert,” he returned, giving the caress with hearty good will. “But how you have grown! Harry also,” shaking the boy’s hand heartily. “Well, I am just going, but I hope we will see each other oftener in the future.”
With that he was hastening toward the outer door, when seemingly struck by a second thought he turned toward them again, saying: “Harry, my boy, put down your satchel of books and come with me. I want you to act as my errand boy for once in a way.”