aroline, I shouldn't have been quite so bossy. Guess I'd have opened
the door for you, instead of lettin' you do it yourself."

"Thank you," answered his niece. "I came to see you on--I suppose you
might call it business. At any rate, it is a financial matter. I sha'n't
detain you long."

Captain Elisha was a trifle disappointed.

"Oh," he said, "on business, was it? I hoped--I didn't know but you'd
come just out of sociability. However, I'm mighty glad to see you,
Caroline, no matter what it's for. That's a real becomin' dress you've
got on," he added, inspecting her admiringly. "I declare, you look
prettier every time I see you. You favor your pa consider'ble; I can see
it more and more. 'Bije had about all the good looks there was in our
family," with a chuckle. "Set down, do."

The girl seated herself in a rocker, and looked at him for a moment
without speaking. She seemed to have something on her mind, and not to
know exactly how to express it.

"Captain Warren," she began, "I--I came to ask a favor. I am obliged
to ask it, because you are our--" she almost choked over the hated
word--"our guardian, and I can no longer act on my own responsibility. I
wish to ask you for some money."

Captain Elisha nodded gravely.

"I see," he said. "Well, Caroline, I don't believe you'll find me very
close-fisted. I think I told you and Steve that you was to do just as
you'd been in the habit of doin'. Of course I _am_ your guardian now,
and I shall be held responsible for whatever expense comes to the
estate. Itvis quite a responsibility, and I so understand it. As I said
to you when I told you I'd decided to take the job on trial, _while_ I
have it it'll be my pride to see that you or your brother don't lose
anything. I intend, if the Almighty spares me so long and I keep on with
the trust, to turn over, when my term's out, at least as much to you and
Steve as your father left. That's all. Excuse me for mentioning it
again. Now, how much do you want? Is your reg'lar allowance too small?
Remember, I don't know much about such things here in New York, and you
must be frank and aboveboard and tell me if you have any complaints."

"I have no complaints. My allowance is sufficient. It is the same that
father used to give me, and it is all I need. But this is a matter
outside my personal needs."

"Um-hm. Somethin' to do with the household expenses, hey?"

"No. It is--is a matter of--well, of charity. It may amount to severa