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Llewellyn responded to Leslies invitation unwillingly. His mother looked up at him.
What is the matter? she asked.
Nothing, mother. I am, on the whole, heartily pleased.
His reply came slowly, and as though he had weighed each word.
But I dont at all know that I ought to accept, even though mother is so good as to give me leave, said Leslie.
Thats all rot, you know, Leslie, said her brother roughly. Mother has accepted; the thing is done. It is a chance which may never come in your way again.
But I dont want it, she cried, touched to her very hearts core by something in his voice. If it were only your chance, how happy I should be! Oh, Lew, with your tastes, with your wishes, what could you not achieve? You know it has been the passion of your heart since you were a little boy to go to one of the universities, and now Mother, dear, it is surely not too late; you could speak to Mr. Parker. You could explain to him that Llewellyn is the one in the family with genius; that Llewellyn will do him credit if he sends him to Oxford or Cambridge. Oh, leave me out! I can do without the university training. But, Lew it would be the making of Lew! I suppose I am fairly well educated. I have passed right through the high school from the beginning, and no girl who does that can be said to be ignorant. This chance ought to be Llewellyns. Mother, it would be possible, surely, for you to put it to Mr. Parker in the right
light?
No, Leslie; he wishes you to go, said the mother quietly. I have no choice in the matter. I have accepted for you. Look upon it, my darling, as a settled thing, and do not disturb, with the thought of any indecision, the great joy which ought to be yours.
There is a ring at the hall door, cried Leslie. I wonder who it can be?
Mrs. Gilroy started.
I quite forgot, she said, coloring slightly. Mr. Parker asked if he might come round and be introduced to you all. Doubtless that is his ring. Llewellyn, dear, will you go and open the hall door?
Llewellyn strode across the room.
I feel quite overcome, said Leslie to her mother. I never heard of Mr. Parker until half an hour ago, and now he is an immense factor in my life.
Her words were interrupted, the door of the little parlor was thrown open, and Mr. Parker, accompanied by Llewellyn, entered.
Here I am, here I am, as I promised! called out the former, rubbing his hands as he spoke, and pushing up his red hair from his almost as red forehead. Here I am, and right glad to see you again, Mrs. Gilroy. And so these are some of the youngsters? Whats your name, young sir?
Llewellyn, replied the boy.
And how old may you be?
Sixteen, replied Llewellyn.
Pon my word, youre a well-grown chap. We dont have em better in the Bush, notwithstanding all the fine development that hard work gives. But you have fine shoulders eh, and good stout legs. Fine young chap, Mrs. Gilroy; I congratulate you, maam, in possessing him. And so this is the young lady. How do you do, my dear? I am proud to make your acquaintance.
Mr. Parkers voice had been rough enough while he was addressing Llewellyn; but when he glanced at Leslie, who, tall, straight, and beautiful, stood before him, a spasm crossed his face and his voice faltered. It sank to a husky whisper; there was emotion in his tone.
How do you do, my dear? he said again; and he held out a great rough hand for the girl to shake.
She let her little hand lie in his for half a moment, and then withdrew it. She then went and stood by the fireplace.
Sit down, please, Mr. Parker, said Mrs. Gilroy, Leslie, I think our friend would like a glass of wine; will you get it?
No wine for me, thank you, maam; no wine for me. I have dined, and admirably. Steak and stout, and boiled apple pudding; thats fare after my own heart. Simple, maam, you can see simple as my own tastes. Well, I am glad to see you, Mrs. Gilroy, at home; and a nice, snug little parlor you have. No show or pretension, or anything of that kind; just the sort of room Id expect Gilroys widow to have; and, added the man, glancing at the boy and girl, just the sort of children too.
The two children, thus alluded to, could not help sighing. Llewellyn wished himself fifty miles away. Leslie felt uncomfortable, and did not dare to meet her mothers eyes.
Meanwhile Mr. Parker glanced around him. The ceiling of the little room was low, and the furniture, although exquisitely clean and orderly, was shabby. He sank back in the armchair which Mrs. Gilroy had invited him to take possession of, and proceeded to speak slowly and thoughtfully.
This all reminds me of poor Gilroy, he said; and yet I expected him, with his talents, to live in a palace by this time. Instead of that, he has his six foot of earth his six foot of earth, maam just what we all will come to some day; and you are left a widow, and with the care of that big boy on your shoulders.
I wont be on mothers shoulders any longer, grumbled Llewellyn.
Ha! ha! young sir, dont you be impatient; let me say my say out. This young lady now, shes my charge for the future. Yes, maam, shes my charge. My dear Miss Leslie, youll be a sort of adopted daughter to me. Now, sit down near me, and tell me what your inclinations are. I think your mother would send you to one of those new-fangled womens colleges if you liked it; but if your inclinations are not set that way, why, I will set you up in business. Ill give you capital, and you may do well any line you like; you have only to name it. But your mother suggests that I should make an educated woman of you.