There was nothing for it but a bald statement,
so Diantha made it baldly.
"I have decided to leave home and go to work," she said.
"Don't you have work enough to do at home?" he inquired, with the same
air of quizzical superiority which had always annoyed her so intensely,
even as a little child.
She would cut short this form of discussion: "I am going away to earn my
living. I have given up school-teaching--I don't like it, and, there
isn't money enough in it. I have plans--which will speak for themselves
later."
"So," said Mr. Bell, "Plans all made, eh? I suppose you've considered
your Mother in these plans?"
"I have," said his daughter. "It is largely on her account that I'm
going."
"You think it'll be good for your Mother's health to lose your
assistance, do you?"
"I know she'll miss me; but I haven't left the work on her shoulders. I
am going to pay for a girl--to do the work I've done. It won't cost you
any more, Father; and you'll save some--for she'll do the washing too.
You didn't object to Henderson's going--at eighteen. You didn't object
to Minnie's going--at seventeen. Why should you object to my going--at
twenty-one."
"I haven't objected--so far," replied her father. "Have your plans also
allowed for the affection and duty you owe your parents?"
"I have done my duty--as well as I know how," she answered.
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