It was
distinctly to his credit--since his own wrongs occupied most of his
attention. But after all HE could buffet the world and wring a
living out of it. All he had to do was to make up his mind which
walk in life to choose. He was fortunate.
But Ethel, reared from infancy in the environment of independence:
it would come very hard and bitter on her.
Alaric just touched Ethel's hand, and with as much feeling as he
could muster, he said: "Shockin' tough, old girl."
Ethel shook her head almost determinedly and said, somewhat
enigmatically, and FOR HER, heatedly:
"NO!"
"No?" asked Alaric. "No--what?"
"Charity!" said Ethel.
"Cold-blooded word," and Alaric shuddered. "What will you do,
Ethel?"
"Work."
"At what?"
"Teach."
"TEACH? Who in the wide world can YOU teach?"
"Children."
Alaric laughed mirthlessly. "Oh, come, that's rich! Eh, mater? Fancy
Ethel teachin' grubby little brats their A B C's! Tush!"
"Must!" said Ethel, quite unmoved.
"A CHICHESTER TEACH?" said Alaric, in disgust.
"Settled!" from Ethel, and she swept her finger slowly across the
piano.
"Very well," said Alaric, determinedly: "I'll work, too." Mrs.
Chichester looked up pleadingly.
Alaric went on: "I'll put my hand to the plough.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164