Part 15 (1/2)
”I don't wish the child to live on rich food. Good bread and b.u.t.ter and plenty of milk are better, in my opinion, than rich meats.”
”She could have as much of those as she wanted.”
”And your little cousin would be company for her.”
”Yes, sir; he would like it very much. He feels lonely when I am away.”
”Then, as to the terms, I think I should be willing to pay seven dollars a week.”
”Seven dollars a week for a little girl's board!” exclaimed Ben, astonished.
”Well, not exactly for the board alone. There will be considerable care. I could get her boarded for half that, but her father left considerable property, and I prefer to pay a generous price. Do you think she will consent to take the child?”
”Yes, sir, and think herself very lucky, too. Won't you come in and speak to her about it?”
”No; you may speak to her about it, and I will call in the morning, and settle the details of the arrangement. And now, good night.”
”Good night, sir.'
”What splendid luck!” thought Ben. ”Aunt Jane will hardly believe it. Didn't I tell her to 'Wait and Hope'?”
And he entered the house.
Chapter X
Ben's Journey
Ben looked so cheerful and smiling that Tony asked: ”Have you got work, Ben?”
”Not yet, Tony.”
Mrs. Bradford shook her head rather despondently.
”We might as well go to the poorhouse first as last,” she said.
”I don't think we had better go at all, Aunt Jane,” said Ben.
”You can't find anything to do.”
”Not yet, but I expect to some time.”
”And what are we going to do till then?”
”I mean to fall back upon you, Aunt Jane. I think you will be able to keep us from starving.”
”I don't know what you mean, Benjamin. I am sure I am willing to work; but last week I only earned a dollar and a quarter, and I don't feel sure of even doing that.”
”I have got a plan for you, Aunt Jane.”