more appalling than they do in later life,
for they have no experience to look back upon and learn from.

Cousin Charlotte began to perceive, though, that Esther was very troubled
too, seriously troubled. With quick intuition she divined something of
what she was feeling, and her whole heart flew out in sympathy to the
child.

"It will be all right, dear," she said, smiling cheerfully. "We shall do.
Don't let the matter trouble you. We grown-ups will see to it all.
Don't upset yourself, Esther dearest."

The kindness of her words and tone broke down Esther's last powers of
restraint. "But--I can't help it--you didn't want us, you couldn't have,
and--and here we are--so many, filling up your house, and--and costing so
much, and--and--oh, Cousin Charlotte, I am so sorry. We must go away,
go back, we can't stay here--" Esther's voice and manner grew almost
hysterical.

"Oh, but, dear, you must stay, _please_," pleaded Cousin Charlotte gently.
"You would not go away and leave me lonely again, would you, and upset all
my plans and my pleasure, would you? Don't you know that it is a very
great pleasure to me to have you? It is," seeing Esther's look of
incredulity, "I assure you. I love girls of all ages, and I have missed
them terribly here. Never let such a thought trouble you again.
After all, dear, I could not expect to have the money in advance.
I might, you know," smiling, "take it and spend it on myself, and pack you
all up and set you adrift if I had it beforehand. Every one has to earn
their money before they get it. It is about your education and Penelope's
that I am troubled most. Your mother does not mention it. I wanted to
send you to a good school, but if I did it would cost the whole of the
money your father is able to spare for you all, and I think I am hardly
justified in running him into so much expense. I would gladly put out the
money--"

"Oh no, please, you mustn't," cried Esther eagerly. "Please don't,
Cousin Charlotte, you mustn't think of it." Again Cousin Charlotte was
perplexed by her very real distress. "I will teach myself and the others
if I can only have some books, but it mustn't cost you anything."

Miss Ashe would not allow a glimmer of a smile to show in her face or
eyes. "Well, dear," she said gravely, "we will think about it and have
another talk. We cannot settle such a big question in a moment, can we?
At any rate, if you cannot manage the teaching you can help