Keep straight, fit, and clean. Keep your head in adversity and in success. Find out what business in life you are fitted for, equip yourself for it, and then go into it with all your heart.
I’ve left you some money and a good name. And my deep, abiding love. My belief is that death is merely an intermission. So your mother and I will rejoin you when the next act begins. Until then, old chap—good luck!
You have been wonderful! I’m sorry I couldn’t stay to see you a little further along the path of life. I love you dearly.
Your aunt, Miss Quest, understands my wishes. During the two years that Jim is abroad, Miss Quest is to assume the necessary and natural authority over you. I have every confidence in her. Besides, she is legally qualified to act.
It is her desire and mine that you finish college. But if you really find yourself unhappy there after the term is finished, then it is Miss Quest’s belief and mine also that you employ the period that otherwise should have spent at Vassar, in acquiring some regular and legitimate profession so that if ever the need comes you shall be able to take care of yourself.
Miss Quest is inclined to think that a course in hospital training under her direct supervision might prove acceptable to you. This you could have in the institution endowed by Miss Quest at Bayport.
Perhaps such a course may appeal to you more than a college education. If so, I shall not be dissatisfied.
But after that if you still feel that your life’s work lies in the direction of artistic self-expression, you will be old enough to follow your own bent, and entitled to employ your opportunities toward that end.
I have left you properly provided for: I leave you and Jim all the love that is in my heart.
This is not the end, Steve, dear. There is no end—just a little rest between the acts for such old actors in life’s drama as your dad. Later, you and Jim will join us behind the scenes—my wife and I—and we shall see what we shall see!—my little girl!—my darling.
The boy and the girl sat up late in the library that night discussing the two letters which so profoundly concerned them.
Indeed, the old order of things was about to pass away before their dismayed and saddened eyes—eyes not yet accustomed to the burning grief which dimmed them—hearts not yet strengthened for the first heavy responsibilities which they had ever borne.