“It will not. I pray you, give me the satisfaction of doing this much toward averting the consequences of my wrong,” he pleaded, earnestly.
“My dear,” interposed the clergyman, impressively, “I advise you, by all means, to accept Mr. Conrad’s hospitality and protection. You are very young, and not at all fitted to do battle with the world. It will never do for you to try and support yourself; you are entirely ignorant of the ways of the world.”
“Mr. Ashley, there are hundreds, yes, thousands, as young, and even more delicate than I, who not only support themselves, but assist in maintaining their father and mother, brothers and sisters,” returned Brownie. “I do not claim to be of finer clay than my unfortunate sisters.”
“But they have been brought up to it,” interposed Mr. Conrad.
“Some of them have, and some have not. God has given me health; and, thanks to my aunt, who took infinite pains with me, I have an excellent education; and, gentlemen, I really feel competent to take care of myself,” the young girl returned, proudly, yet with a more cheerful look than she had worn since Miss Mehetabel’s death.
In vain they pleaded and urged, both the clergyman and the doctor offering her a home with them, if she would not go with Mr. Conrad. She remained firm, and they were filled with admiration at the strength of character which she displayed.
“I will try for a while,” she said, seeing how bitterly disappointed Mr. Conrad was; “and if I fail, I shall know where to come for a home.”
“You are not strong, you will break down under it,” he said, gloomily.
“I think not,” was the cheerful response. “I have always sympathized with these poor girls, and now I shall know, by actual experience, what their life is.”
“What will you do?” the lawyer asked, while great tears rolled down his wrinkled cheeks.