"
"From Aunt Rachel's letter, I should think she must be a dreadfully
stiff sort of person," added audacious Jessie. "Please don't say that we
shall have to go."
"Not so fast, my dear," returned her father. "Only one of you all can
go, and I do not think either you or Maude could possibly be spared. But
what does mamma say?"
"You know my wretched health, Henry," said Mrs. Harley. "I never could
do without Maude to look after the housekeeping; and Jessie saves both
school and governess for the younger ones. But then there is Edith. Why
should not Edith go?"
[Sidenote: Edith Harley]
"Why, indeed?" repeated the doctor. "Edith does nothing but mischief--at
least, so far as the account of her doings reaches my ears. She is quite
too big for Jessie to teach, and we cannot afford to send her to a good
school at present, which is the thing that ought to be done. It really
seems to me a providential opening for Edith."
"Poor Edie!" sighed the mother again. "It would be a hard life for her,
I am afraid."
"Oh, nonsense, Maria! You were always unjust to Rachel. You think,
because she took such deep offence, that there can be nothing good in
her. Surely I ought to know my own sister's character! Rachel would do
her duty by any inmate of her home--of that I am quite certain."
"Well, Henry, it would be a help in many ways. Edith is growing such a
great girl, nearly fifteen now, and if it would lighten your cares to
have her provided for, I ought not to resist.
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