"It will be right if done in the right spirit, my son," replied the high-minded watchmaker, who, though in humble circumstances, had a noble nature. "What we do should not be in sole reference to ourselves. Our acts ought to have some reference to the good of others. I believe that it will be right for me to help you for one or two or three years, until you are able to support yourself, for, thereby, you will the more surely rise into a high and useful position. The sacrifice on my part will be small, compared to the good attained."
The unanimous voice of the family was in favor of Lloyd's remaining in Philadelphia, and living at home as before. It would be better for him, in the end, to do so, he believed; but still, the thought of burdening his father weighed upon his mind, and kept him for some time undecided. When alone with him, his sisters urged strongly his giving up all thought of removing from the city. To Martha he said, about a week after he had received his diploma, and while the subject was yet in agitation, in answer to the question, "Why will you think of leaving us, brother?"
"Because I cannot make up my mind to depend upon father any longer. His business, I have heard him say, is not so good as it was; and, besides, he is growing old, and needs freedom from labor, rather than heavier burdens. I feel, sister, that it would not be just."
To this Martha did not reply for some moments. She, too, felt that her father's duties were too severe for him, and rather wished to see them lightened instead of increased.
"It is true what you say about father," she remarked. "He ought not to be more heavily burdened than he is, and he need not be. Ella and I have talked that matter over, and decided that we will take a few scholars and teach them music until you—"
"Never!" ejaculated the young man, firmly. "I will not listen to such an arrangement."
"Why not, Lloyd?"
"You and Ella become music teachers for the purpose of supporting me who ought to support you? No—no! Don't breathe it to me again. I will go South."
"My brother will hear reason," said Martha, calmly.
"There is no reason in that," replied Lloyd, impatiently.