I felt too sorrowful to reply, and my temper had quite expended itself. I waited until he arose from the table and then followed him into the library. He looked surprised, but very politely handed me a chair. I bowed my thanks, but did not sit down; I stood opposite him with only the study table between us. I was nervous, and half afraid to ask my question, but summoning all my courage I broke the silence by saying:—"Mr. Winthrop, will you please tell me if I am rich or poor?"'
"That is a comparative question," he answered with provoking coolness. "Compared with Jay Gould or Vanderbilt, I should say your means were limited; but, on the other hand, to measure your riches with your widowed friends, most persons would allow your circumstances to be affluent."
"But have I any money left after my board and other expenses are paid?"
He smiled sarcastically. "I do not take boarders; it has never been our custom at Oaklands."
I was getting angry and retorted:—"I shall not eat any man's bread without paying for it, if he were a hundred times my guardian."
"But if you had no money wherewith to pay him; what then?"
"I have an education; with that surely I can earn my living as well as Esmerelda. My knowledge of French and German will help me to a situation, if nothing else."
"If I say you must not leave here; that I will not permit my ward to work for her living?" he questioned.
"If I resolve to be independent, and earn something beside, to help the poor, can you compel me to a life of ease and uselessness?"
"Ah, I see what is troubling you—the widows are on your mind. A gracious desire to help them has caused this mercenary fit. I am glad to inform you that there is a snug sum lying at your bankers in your name. When you come of age you will know the exact amount."