false pride in our family on account of birth and blood. The idea
that because you are born a gentleman or lady you must not work is
absurd. Would it not be more honorable to sweep the streets, or
scour knives and pare potatoes, than to sponge one's living out of
strangers who despise you in then hearts even when inviting you to
their houses? We have men, and women too, in America who do not work
but get their living from others, and we call them tramps, and have
them arrested as vagrants. But that is neither here nor there. I
want you to give little Betsey to me, and she, at least, will never
regret it. But don't let me hope of a fortune influence you, for my
will was made years ago, and not a McPherson is remembered in it.
Still, if Betsey pleases me, I may add a codicil and give her a few
thousands, but don't count upon it, or my death either. We are a
long-lived race, and I am perfectly strong and well; so, if you let
me have her, do it because you think it will be better for her,
morally and spiritually, to be removed from the poisonous atmosphere
which surrounds her. I liked her face; I liked her voice; I liked
her frankness. I shall like her; so send her, and I will bear the
expense; or write and say you can't, and that will close the book.

"Your aunt, Miss BETSEY McPHERSON. Allington, Mass.

"P.S. I shall direct this to the old home in Wales, though I have no
idea you are there, as I hear your wife prefers to be traveling."

The letter finished and directed, Miss Betsey sat a long time gazing
dreamily into the fire and thinking of the past, the present, and the
possible future, when a bright-haired child might be sitting there by
her side and making her life less lonely and aimless than it was now.