for this was a new style of talk from a girl’s lips, and he liked it
immensely.
“Philanthropy is a generous, good, and beautiful profession, and
I’ve chosen it for mine because I have much to give. I’m only the
steward of the fortune Papa left me, and I think, if I use it wisely
for the happiness of others, it will be more blest than if I keep it all
for myself.?
Very sweetly and simply was this said, but it was curious to see
how differently the various hearers received it.
Charlie shot a quick look at his mother, who exclaimed, as if in
spite of herself, “Now, Alec, are you going to let that girl squander
a fine fortune on all sorts of charitable nonsense and wild schemes
for the prevention of pauperism and crime??
” ‘They who give to the poor lend to the Lord,’ and practical
Christianity is the kind He loves the best,” was all Dr. Alec
answered, but it silenced the aunts and caused even prudent Uncle
Mac to think with sudden satisfaction of certain secret investments
he had made which paid him no interest but the thanks of the poor.
Archie and Mac looked well pleased and promised their advice
and assistance with the enthusiasm of generous young hearts.
Steve shook his head, but said nothing, and the lads on the rug at
once proposed founding a hospital for invalid dogs and horses,
white mice, and wounded heroes.
“Don’t you think that will be a better way for a woman to spend her
life than in dancing, dressing, and husband-hunting, Charlie?”
asked Rose, observing his silence and anxious for his approval.
“Very pretty for a little while, and very effective too, for I don’t
know anything more captivating than a sweet girl in a meek little
bonnet going on charitable errands and glorifying poor people’s
houses with a delightful mixture of beauty and benevolence.
Fortunately, the dear souls soon tire of it, but it’s heavenly while it
lasts.?
Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and contempt, and
smiled a superior sort of smile, as if he understood all the innocent
delusions as well as the artful devices of the sex and expected
nothing more from them. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for it
did not sound like the Charlie she had left two years ago. But she
only said, with a reproachful look and a proud little gesture of
head and hand, as if she put the subject aside since it was not
treated with respect: “I am sorry you have so low an opinion of
women. There was a time when you believed in them sincerely.?
“I do still, upon my word I do! They haven’t a more devoted
admirer and slave in the world than I am. Just try me and see,”
cried Charlie, gallantly kissing his hand to the sex in general.
But Rose was not appeased, and gave a disdainful shrug as she
answered with a look in her eyes that his lordship did not like,
“Thank you. I don’t want admirers or slaves, but friends and
helpers. I’ve lived so long with a wise, good man that I am rather
hard to suit, perhaps, but I don’t intend to lower my standard, and
anyone who cares for my regard must at least try to live up to it.?
“Whew! Here’s a wrathful dove! Come and smooth her ruffled
plumage, Mac. I’ll dodge before I do further mischief,” and Charlie
strolled away into the other room, privately lamenting that Uncle
Alec had spoiled a fine girl by making her strong-minded.
He wished himself back again in five minutes, for Mac said
something that produced a gale of laughter, and when he took a
look over his shoulder the “wrathful dove” was cooing so
peacefully and pleasantly he was sorely tempted to return and
share the fun. But Charlie had been spoiled by too much
indulgence, and it was hard for him to own himself in the wrong
even when he knew it. He always got what he wanted sooner or
later, and having long ago made up his mind that Rose and her
fortune were to be his, he was secretly displeased at the new plans