His daughter drew herself out of his embrace. Recalled thus to the
matter in hand he asked: "Did he say how much money 'twould take?"
"Two or three thousand dollars"--and she scanned his face anxiously--
"for studyin' and gettin' an office and everythin' in New York. Things
are dearer there."
"Wall, I guess we kin about cover that with a squeeze. It'll be full all
I kin manage to onc't--that and the pianner. I've no one to think of but
you, Loo, only you. That's what I've bin workin' for, to give you a fair
start, and I'm glad I kin jess about do it. I'd sorter take it better if
he'd done the studyin' by himself before. No! wall, it don't make much
difference p'r'aps. Anyway he works, and Mr. Crew thinks him enough
eddicated even for the Ministry. He does, and that's a smart lot. I
guess he'll get along all right." Delighted with the expression of
intent happiness in his daughter's eyes, he continued: "He's young yet,
and couldn't be expected to hev done the studyin' and law and everythin'.
You kin be sartin that the old man'll do all he knows to help start
you fair. All I kin. If you're sot upon it! That's enough fer me,
I guess, ef you're rale sot on it, and you don't think 'twould be better
like to wait a little. He could study with Barkman fer a year anyway
without losin' time. No! wall, wall. I'm right thar when you want me.
I'll go to work to do what I kin....
"P'r'aps we might sell off and go East, too. The farm's worth money now
it's all settled up round hyar. The mother and me and Jake could get
along, I reckon, East or West. I know more'n I did when I came out in
'59.
"I'm glad you've told me. I think a heap more of him now. There must be
a pile of good in any one you like, Loo. Anyhow he's lucky." And he
stroked her crumpled dress awkwardly, but with an infinite tenderness.
"I've got to go now, father," she exclaimed, suddenly remembering the
time. "But there!"--and again she threw her arms round his neck and
kissed him. "You've made me very happy. I've got to go right off, and
you've all the chores to do, so I mustn't keep you any longer."
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