"Now," he continued,
"do you know what I'm about to do?" Not receiving any answer from his
wondering sisters or mother, he added, "Why, just this!--here, mother,
this is yours," said he, placing the four ten-dollar bills before her; "and
here are five apiece for Esther and Cad; the balance is for your humble
servant. Now, then," he concluded, "what do you think of that?"
Mrs. Ellis looked fondly at him, and, stroking his head, told him that he
was a good son; and Esther and Caddy declared him to be the best brother in
town.
"Now, girls," said he, with the air of a patriarch, "what do you intend to
do with your money?"
"Mine will go towards buying me a dress, and Esther will save hers for a
particular purpose," said Caddy. "I'll tell you something about her and Mr.
Walters," continued she, with a mischievous look at her sister.
"Oh, Caddy--don't! Ain't you ashamed to plague me so?" asked Esther,
blushing to the roots of her hair. "Mother, pray stop her," cried she,
pleadingly.
"Hush, Caddy!" interposed her mother, authoritatively; "you shall do no
such thing."
"Well," resumed Caddy, "mother says I mustn't tell; but I can say this
much----"
Esther here put her hand over her sister's mouth and effectually prevented
any communication she was disposed to make.
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