“I've discovered that already,” said Helen, laughing.
“All that you must do, my love,” went on the other, “is to realize what is before you, and make up your mind to what you want. You know that your tastes are not those of a poor woman; you have been accustomed to comfort, and you need refinement and wealth; you could never be happy unless you could entertain your friends properly, and live as you pleased.”
“But I don't want to marry a man just for his money,” protested the girl, not altogether pleased with her aunt's business-like view.
“No one wants you to,” the other responded; “you may marry for love if you like; but it is not impossible to love a rich man, is it, Helen?”
“But, Aunt Polly,” said Helen, “I am satisfied as I am now. I do not want to marry anybody. The very idea makes me shudder.”
“I am not in the least anxious that you should,” was the answer. “You are young, and you may choose your own time. All I am anxious for is that you should realize the future that is before you. It is dreadful to me to think that you might throw your precious chance away by some ridiculous folly.”
Helen looked at her aunt for a moment, and then the irrepressible smile broke out.
“What is the matter, child?” asked the other.
“Nothing, except that I was thinking about how these thoughts were brought up.”
“How do you mean?”