"
"Why not, my dear? Your reasons must be strong when you say this."
"I don't know if they are strong," answered Priscilla, "but they are
at least decided. My father and mother were poor and independent. Aunt
Raby is very poor and also independent. I fancy that were I rich in
comparison, I might cease to be independent. The strong motive power
might go. Something might be taken out of me which I could never get
back, so I----" Her lips trembled.
"Pause a minute, Prissie; remember what Maggie offers, a sufficient
income to support your aunt, to educate your sisters and to enable you
to pursue those studies at St. Benet's for which you have the greatest
talent. Think of the honors that lie before you; think how brilliantly
you may pass your tripos examination with your mind at rest."
"That's not the point," said Priscilla. There was a ring in her voice
which she must have inherited from a long line of rugged, proud but
worthy ancestors. "In a question of this kind, I ought never to
content myself with looking at the brilliant and tempting side.
Forgive me, Miss Heath. I may have done wrong after all; but, right or
wrong, I have made my resolve. I will keep my independence."
"Have you considered your Aunt Raby in this?"
"She has put herself absolutely out of the question by declining all
aid as far as she is concerned.
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