"I should like to go to college, uncle."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. "I thought
you might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or
something of that kind."

Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had
anticipated.

"But," continued Grant, summoning up his courage, "I am afraid it
will be rather selfish."

"I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay
your college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in
your accepting my offer."

"I mean as regards father and mother."

"Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?"

"I mean this, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant, boldly, "I ought to be at
work earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small,
and--"

"You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?" said
Godfrey Thornton, hastily.

"I think I ought to, uncle."