often regretted that I did not secure the advantages of a liberal education
when they were within my reach."

"That is an unwise as well as a useless regret. If you had gone to college,
you would, as a matter of course, have chosen one of the learned
professions. Your talents and industry would, doubtless, have secured to
you a good measure of success; but you would often have sighed for the
peace and rest of the old farmhouse. Remember, too, that it and these lands
would have passed into the hands of strangers."

"Perhaps you are right. Still, as I am now situated, I should be very glad
to have the advantages and influence which a liberal education would
bestow."

"I think you overrate those advantages. You are substantially a well
educated man; and you can now command leisure to add to your information.
If you should be in want of any books which it may not be convenient for
you to purchase, it will give me great pleasure to procure them for you. I
can do so without the slightest inconvenience."

"I am greatly obliged to you; and, if it should be necessary, I will,
without hesitation, avail myself of your kind offer. I feel the deficiency
of my education most sensibly in respect to my daughter. I find myself
incompetent to take the direction of her opening mind."

"That is the very point I wish to speak upon. You must, my good brother
allow me to take charge of her education. I owe it to you for keeping the
old homestead in the family. It will give me great pleasure to afford her
the very best advantages. Let me take her to the city with me on my
return."