human
I think, mother, I had just as lief not have the band, and only have a supper of bread and butter and seed cakes.
gpt
Why, Flora, what has got into you?
human
Where did the child get this foolish idea?
gpt
Didn't I see last winter how much good only a little money would do?
human
Don't you think it is wicked for me to live in this great house, keep five or six horses, and nine or ten servants, when I could live in a little house, like Mrs. White?
gpt
All the money you spend would take care of a dozen families of poor folks,
human
That is very true. Suppose I should turn away all the men and women that work for me,--those, I mean, who work about the house and garden,--and give the money I spend in luxuries to the poor.
gpt
But what would John and Peter, Hannah and Bridget do then? They would lose their places, and not be able to earn anything. Why, no, father; Peter has a family; he has got three children, and he must take care of them.
human
Ah, you begin to see it--do you? said Mr. Lee, with a smile.
gpt
All that I spend upon luxury goes into the pockets of the farmer, mechanic, and laborer.
human
I see that, father, replied Flora, looking as bright as sunshine again;
gpt
Not a cent of it, my child. If I were a miser, and kept my money in an iron safe, and lived like a poor man, I should waste it then.
human
But twenty dollars for the Riverdale Band is a great deal to give for a few hours' service. It don't do any good, I think.
gpt
Yes, it does; music improves our minds and hearts. It makes us happy. I have engaged six men to play. They are musicians only at such times as they can get a job. They are shoemakers, also, and poor men; and the money which I shall pay them will help support their families and educate them.
human
What a fool I was, father!
gpt
O, no; not so bad as that; for a great many older and wiser persons than yourself have thought just what you think.
human
But the supper, father,--the ice cream, the cake, and the lemonade,--won't all the money spent for these things be wasted?
gpt
No more than the money spent for the music. The confectioner and those whom he employs depend upon their work for the means of supporting themselves and their families.
human
So they do, father. And when you have a party, you are really doing good to the poor.