He told me early last fall; we talked of it again in the winter, and
this spring most of all--I've told you!"
"Yes I know! I wish I could help!" said Douglas.
"I do too! I wish it intensely," said Leslie. "When father comes, we'll
ask him. We're young and strong, and we should stand by. I never saw Daddy
in such a state. He _must_ sell that land. He _said_ so. He said last
night he'd be forced to sell if he only got half its value, and that
wouldn't be enough."
"Enough for what?" asked Douglas.
"To help Mr. Swain," said Leslie.
"He's going to use his fortune?" queried Douglas.
"I don't know that Daddy has holdings large enough to deserve the word,"
said Leslie. "He's going to use what he has. I urged him to; it's all he
can do."
"Did you take into consideration that it may end in his failure?" asked
Douglas.
"I did," said Leslie, "and I forgot to tell him, but I will as soon as he
comes back: he can have all mother left me, too, if he needs it."
"Leslie, you're a darling, but have you ever had even a small taste of
poverty?" asked Douglas.
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