"I don't uther, sir," interrupted Lafe sadly, "but we've got to live."
Not heeding the cobbler's explanation, Theodore proceeded deliberately.
"She plays too well on the violin not to have all the training that can be given her. Now let me be of some service until she is self-supporting."
Again Lafe repeated, "Thank you, sir, but I don't think Jinnie could accept money from any one."
"I don't see why not! It's quite customary when a young person is ambitious to receive----"
"Is it, sir?" ejaculated Lafe.
"Indeed yes, and I've been making inquiries, and I find there's a very good teacher on the hill who'll give her the rudiments.... After that, we'll see."
Jinnie was breathing very fast.
"Lessons cost lots of money," objected Lafe feebly, drawing the girl closer.
"I know that," interposed Mr. King, "but I want to pay for them. She ought to take one every day, the teacher says, commencing to-morrow."
Jinnie stood up. "I couldn't let you pay for 'em," she said quickly. "I----"
She sat down again at a motion from Theodore.
"Please don't object until I have finished," he smiled at her. "It's like this: If you study, you'll be able to earn a lot of money. Then you can return every dollar to me."
Suddenly it came to her mind to tell him she would have all the money she needed when she should be eighteen.
"I'll have----" she began, but Lafe, feeling what she was going to say, stopped her. It wasn't time to confide in any one about the danger hanging over her. He took the matter in his own hands with his usual melancholy dignity.
"Jinnie'll be glad to let you help her, sir, providin' you keep track of the money you spend," he agreed.
The girl could scarcely believe her ears. Suddenly her indignant sense of Maudlin's abuse faded away, leaving her encouraged and warm with ambition.
Theodore took one more stride around the little room.
"Now that's sensible, Mr. Grandoken," he said contentedly. "And before I go, I want you to promise me your niece won't go into the marshes even once more. I must have your word before I can be satisfied. As it is now, she earns three dollars a week bringing me wood. That I must add to the lesson money----"
Lafe's dissenting gesture broke off Mr. King's statement, but he resumed immediately.
"If you're sensitive on that point, I'll add it in with the other money. I think it wise to keep our arrangements to ourselves, though." He stopped, his face changing. "And I--I would like to make you more comfortable here."