human
You mean to spend the winter with you and Aunt Julia?
gpt
Yes, and to go to school with Elsie. I think your father and mother are rather anxious about your education.
human
I know they are, said Marjorie, eagerly.
gpt
They wanted to send me to school at Albuquerque this autumn, but the drought spoiled the alfalfa crop, and there was disease among the cattle, so Father didn't feel he could afford it. I should love to see New York more than anything I can think of, but to go so far away from them all for a whole winter--oh, Uncle Henry, you're very kind to suggest it, but I really don't believe I could.
human
Not if you knew your father and mother wished it very much, and that it would be a great relief to their minds?
gpt
Of course I would try to do what they wanted me to, she said meekly,
human
Only three days by train, said Mr. Carleton, smiling;
gpt
I want it very much, she said humbly.
human
If I were well educated, I might be able to teach, and to help Father and Mother in other ways. Uncle Henry, do you think it is my duty to go to New York?
gpt
Yes, Marjorie, I do, said her uncle, with unusual gravity.
human
I think it is an opportunity that you should not miss. I have written your Aunt Julia about it, and her answer has just come. She agrees with me that it will be the best thing for you. Your home will be with us, of course, and you will go to school with Elsie. It is not a large school, only a class of a dozen girls, and the teacher is a charming woman. You will soon make friends, and I think you would be happy.
gpt
And I would be with Elsie, said Marjorie, beginning to look on the bright side, as she generally did.
human
It would be lovely to know my own cousin. Have you spoken to Mother about it, Uncle Henry?
gpt
Not yet, but I intend doing so this evening. I have been waiting for your aunt's reply to my letter. I feel quite sure your mother will consent; she is too sensible a woman to do anything else. But it will be hard for her to let you go so far away, and I want you to be a brave, sensible girl, and not make it any harder than you can help.