“Never!” exclaimed Mrs. Brimmer, bringing her hand down on the table with emphasis, “those mustn’t be touched, whatever we do; that’s decided.”
“What can we give up?” cried Rosy, in astonishment.
JOEY.
(See [Baby’s Corner].)
“We’re saving everything as close as can be, now,” said Cornelius, with a decided nod. “Jack turns every penny twice over before he’ll begin to think of spending it, and then he claps it into the bank. What in the world can we save more, ma?”
“I said ‘sacrifice,’” replied Mrs. Brimmer, very distinctly. “We shall have to draw out some of the nest-egg. This will come hard, because all of us have been working diligently to put the little fund there, and every cent taken away from it reduces the interest.”
Cornelius began to look grave at once. Rail as he might at Jack’s regard for every penny, the accumulation of the deposit in the bank was is dear to the heart of the younger boy, who had no delight so great as an errand that took him past the large, red building, over whose door was the magical word—Bank. To stand here a moment and reflect that nearly one hundred dollars was recorded on the books to the credit of Brimmer Brothers and Company, repaid for many hours of toil and self-denial. Now, if they had a teacher, some of that slowly-accumulated money must be used.
It was to be a sacrifice, as the mother had said.
“But,” Mrs. Brimmer’s tone changed to a ringing one of hopefulness and courage, “the money thus taken out and used, will be the best investment possible; better than a ten per cent interest for all of us. Think of it, children; an education for you and for me!” and for one little moment, the barriers of a pent-up longing, that had possessed her heart for years, were dropped.
