d.

The time spent by the merchant in writing letters, affecting operations in
the four quarters of the globe, was passed by the farmer in thoughtful
silence, though in the presence of his wife and daughter. He withdrew as he
heard his brother coming from his room.

"Uncle," said Susan, "do you wish to have those letters taken to the
post-office?"

"Yes, dear."

"Let me take them for you."

She received the letters from his willing hand, and left him alone with her
mother.

"Your husband," said he to Mrs. Clifton, "has spoken to you of the
proposition I made to him respecting my niece?"

"He has not," said Mrs. Clifton.

"I requested him to consult you. I proposed to take her home with me, and
give her the very first advantages for education that the city can afford."

"You are very generous. But what did Henry say to it?"

"He does not like the idea of parting with her; but, as I understand it, he
holds the matter under advisement till he has consulted you. I hope you
will not hesitate to give your consent, and to use your influence with my
brother, in case it should be necessary."

"I should be sorry to withhold my consent from anything which may be for
the good of my child. So generous an offer should not be declined without
due consideration. At the same time, I must frankly say that I do not think
it at all probable that I can bring myself to consent to your proposal."

"What objection can be urged against it?"

"I doubt very much whether it will be for the best."

"Why not for the best? What can be better than a first rate education?"

"Nothing; certainly, taking that term in its true sense. A first rate
education for a young lady is one adapted to prepare her for the sphere in
which she is to act. If Susan were to go with you, she would doubtless
learn many things of which she would otherwise be ignorant; but it may be a
question whether she would be thereby fitted for the station she is to
occupy in life. That, in all probability, will be a humble one."

"She has talents fitted to adorn any station, only let them receive
suitable cultivation. She shall never be in a position which shall render
useless the education I will give her. I have the means of keeping my
promise."

"I doubt it not. But ought a mother to consent that one so young and
inexperienced should be removed from home and its influences, and be
exposed to the temptations of the great world in which you live? It is a
very differ