“But, uncle, I’ve promised,” sobbed Ethel, “and you know we must keep our promises.”
“I dare say the woman will release you from the promise; at least for a consideration, if not without. Ah, here comes your Uncle George,” as just then that gentleman entered the room.
“What do you think, brother? This foolish child has—without consulting you or me, or anybody else for that matter—engaged herself as clerk to a woman keeping a little thread and needle store.”
“Well, that’s astounding news!” exclaimed Mr. George Eldon, seating himself and looking very hard, with something of a frown on his face, at Ethel. “Come here, child, and tell me all about it.”
Ethel obeyed, wiping her eyes and saying pleadingly, “Please, uncle, don’t be angry with me. I—I can’t bear to be such an expense to Uncle Albert now when I’m getting so old, and so——”
“Ay, yes, very big and very old,” he returned, taking her hand and drawing her to him; “so big and so old that it must cost a great deal to feed and dress you. Uncle Albert ought to be very glad to get rid of such an expense. And you are never of any use; don’t do any errands for Aunt Augusta or her daughters or make yourself useful in any way.” He looked so grave and spoke in such a serious tone that Ethel felt puzzled.
“I have tried to be of use, uncle,” she said humbly, “but I know they can do very well without me. And I want to learn to make money, so that I can help Blanche and Harry and Nannette; because after a while it will cost a great deal to clothe and feed and educate them; and you and Uncle Albert have your own children to take care of.”
“Well, really! she’s not so much of a baby as I had thought,” he said, looking searchingly into her face with a grim sort of a smile on his own. “How old are you, Ethel, my sage niece?”
“In my sixteenth year, uncle. So you see I’m not a baby but almost a woman.”
“Ah, well! let us hear all about these plans and prospects.”