Beulah - Page 89/348

"Will you always treat Pauline just as kindly as if you had never

taken me to your house?"

"Except having a separate home, she shall never know any difference.

I promise you this. What else?"

"Will you let me go to the public school instead of Madam St.

Cymon's?"

"Why, pray?"

"Because the tuition is free."

"And you are too proud to accept any aid from me?"

"No, sir; I want your counsel and guidance, and I want to be with

you to show you that I do thank you for all your goodness; but I

want to cost you as little as possible."

"You do not expect to depend on me always, then?" said he, smiling

despite himself.

"No, sir; only till I am able to teach. If you are willing to do

this, I shall be glad to go back, very glad; but not unless you

are." She looked as firm as her guardian.

"Better stipulate also that you are to wear nothing more expensive

than bit calico." He seemed much amused.

"Indeed, sir, I am not jesting at all. If you will take care of me

while I am educating myself, I shall be very grateful to you; but I

am not going to be adopted."

"Very well. Then I will try to take care of you. I have signed your

treaty; are you ready to come home?"

"Yes, sir; glad to come." Her fingers closed confidingly over his,

and they joined Mrs. Williams in the hall below. A brief explanation

from Beulah sufficed for the rejoicing matron, and soon she was

borne rapidly from the asylum. Dr. Hartwell was silent until they

reached home, and Beulah was going to her own room, when he asked

suddenly: "What was it that you wished to ask me about the evening of the

ride?"

"That I might go to the public school."

"What put that into your head?" "As an independent orphan, I am

insulted at Madam St. Cymon's."

"By whom?" His eyes flashed.

"No matter now, sir."

"By whom? I ask you."

"Not by Pauline. She would scorn to be guilty of anything so

ungenerous."

"You do not mean to answer my question, then?"

"No, sir. Do not ask me to do so, for I cannot."

"Very well. Get ready for tea. Mr. Lockhart is here. One word more.

You need fear no further interference from anyone."