human
Oh, father, she began, rather flurried,
gpt
I know. I was meaning to speak to you about it.
human
I am all upset. I can't bear to think of sending Charlie away now.
gpt
True, he said;
human
I had forgotten him.
gpt
Oh, father! Miss Patty exclaimed reproachfully.
human
How could you?
gpt
It is incomprehensible, but I was thinking of Sally. Never mind, Patty, it comes to the same thing in the end. Would it be quite convenient to ask Sarah Ladue to come here?
human
Ask Cousin Sarah to come here to _live_?
gpt
Why, yes, Patty. I understand that she is likely to live and--
human
Oh, father! Miss Patty cried again.
gpt
You know I didn't mean--
human
I don't pretend, Mr. Hazen resumed, smiling,
gpt
Miss Patty looked shocked.
human
Oh, there is nothing gained by pretending to be blind to Charles's weakness. He was a gambler before he left college. I knew it very well. There was nothing to be done. Meddling with other people's children is a vice, Patty. It never does any good. I have some misgivings--
gpt
Some misgivings about what, father?
human
It doesn't matter, Patty. I have too many misgivings about everything. It is the fault of age. As I come to think of it, Sally looks like her mother. I hope her character--but Sally's character is all right. As to Sarah, we have spare rooms, haven't we?
gpt
Ye--es, assented Miss Patty reluctantly. She hated to give in, but she might have known that she would have to. She did know it.
human
But, father,--supporting the whole family--
gpt
There is no question, said Mr. Hazen quietly; and Patty knew that there was no more to be said.
human
It is a choice between letting that young Mr. Sanderson support them,--which he would be very glad to do, Patty,--and asking Sarah to come here. I much prefer to ask her. I wish to keep Sally with us and you are not willing to let Charlie go. On this plan we shall keep them both. Will you write to Sarah, proposing it? Write as cordially as you can, Patty, will you? Thank you.