Unhappy thoughts seemed
determined to take possession of her mind--regrets for the past and
fears for the future; she could not throw off the depression.
She thought of Carl's going, and how she would miss him. Would he
become weaned from the old happy home life? Had she done all she might
have done to help him to good, true manhood?
She asked herself these questions sadly; in her present mood it seemed
to her she had failed of what she most wished to accomplish.
These dreary thoughts so engrossed her that Jim's voice, asking, "May
I come in?" caused her to start.
"Certainly," she answered, "I am glad to see you, though I warn you I
am not in a very good humor."
He did not appear alarmed. "I met Carl and he said I'd probably find
you here. I want to tell you something."
"I am ready to listen," she said encouragingly, but Jim seemed to find
it hard to begin, and looked at the floor in a hesitating way quite
unusual.
Aunt Zelie watched him, thinking that something had come into that
handsome young face of late which spoke hopefully for the future.
She was very much surprised at his words.
"Mrs. Howard, I have decided not to go to college." They were resolute
eyes that looked up at her.
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