You have been too young, of course, to be told about
money matters, but perhaps I may tell you now, for I am sure you are old
enough to understand, that papa has a great many expenses, and is often
very much worried. There are so many of you," added the poor mother,
thinking with a sigh of her own powerlessness to do much towards lifting
the burden which pressed so heavily upon her husband's shoulders.
"Do you think it would help papa, then, if I went?" asked the girl
slowly.
"Indeed I do. You would have a good home for a time, at all events; and
if your Aunt Rachel should take to you, as we may hope she will if you
earnestly try to please her, she may be a friend to you always."
"Very well, then; I shall try my best to do as you and papa wish."
That was all Edith said, and Mrs. Harley was quite surprised. She had
expected tears and protests, stormy and passionate remonstrances--not
this quiet submission so unlike Edith.
Perhaps no one understood the girl less than her own mother. It might
have helped Mrs. Harley to know something of her daughter's inner nature
if she could have seen her, after their talk together, steal quietly up
to the nursery, where there were only the little ones at play, and,
throwing her arms round little Francie, burst into a fit of quiet
sobbing that fairly frightened the child.
"What is it, Edie? Don't cry, Edie! Francie'll give you a kiss, twenty
kisses, if you won't cry," said the pretty baby voice.
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