I felt too sorrowful to reply, and my temper had quite expended itself.  I waited until he arose from the table and then followed him into the library.  He looked surprised, but very politely handed me a chair.  I bowed my thanks, but did not sit down; I stood opposite him with only the study table between us.  I was nervous, and half afraid to ask my question, but summoning all my courage I broke the silence by saying:—­“Mr. Winthrop, will you please tell me if I am rich or poor?"’

“That is a comparative question,” he answered with provoking coolness.  “Compared with Jay Gould or Vanderbilt, I should say your means were limited; but, on the other hand, to measure your riches with your widowed friends, most persons would allow your circumstances to be affluent.”

“But have I any money left after my board and other expenses are paid?”

He smiled sarcastically.  “I do not take boarders; it has never been our custom at Oaklands.”

I was getting angry and retorted:—­“I shall not eat any man’s bread without paying for it, if he were a hundred times my guardian.”

“But if you had no money wherewith to pay him; what then?”

“I have an education; with that surely I can earn my living as well as Esmerelda.  My knowledge of French and German will help me to a situation, if nothing else.”

“If I say you must not leave here; that I will not permit my ward to work for her living?” he questioned.

“If I resolve to be independent, and earn something beside, to help the poor, can you compel me to a life of ease and uselessness?”

“Ah, I see what is troubling you—­the widows are on your mind.  A gracious desire to help them has caused this mercenary fit.  I am glad to inform you that there is a snug sum lying at your bankers in your name.  When you come of age you will know the exact amount.”

“You will pay for my board and expenses out of it,” I said, rather incoherently; “and then, if there is any left, may I have it to lay out as I choose?”

“I do not care to assume the role of a hotel-keeper, so we will compromise matters.  You can name whatever sum you choose for your board, and I will give it to you in quarterly instalments for your pensioners.”

I was silent for a few moments, perplexed to know what answer to give.  If he were to take from my own income the sum I might mention if I accepted his terms, would I not still be a debtor to his hospitality?  I spoke at last, knowing that his eyes were reading my face.  “Could I not first pay you all that I really cost you, and then if there was any money left, have that to expend just as I choose?”

“I have hitherto allowed you a certain sum for pocket money.  I limited the supply, because, as a school-girl, I believed too much would be an injury.  Since, however, you are now a young lady grown and gifted with highly benevolent instincts, I will increase your spending money to any reasonable sum you may name.”