Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/483

1905.] [Rises] Well, I guess if Roweny’s children get thirty-three thousand apiece I need n’t worry over ‘em. Good-by, Mrs. Tubbs. Sorry to have you leave the neighborhood, but you ’ll find it nice up on Fifth Avenue. I was up there once. The streets is wider than these, and it's quite a different place. I’m told there ain’t the runnin’ from house to house that there is here at the Corner, and that people ain’t over-neighborly, and don't sometimes speak to people livin’ right on the same block; somebody said next door, but I won't believe it’s as bad as that. But you ’ll have all your family with you, so you won’t mind. Don’t forget your old friends at Cinder Corner, Mrs. Tubbs. [Shakes.. ’s hand]

[Much affected] Indeed I won't, and you must all come and see me, I sha’n’t never feel to home up there, I don’t believe I ’ve never even seen the place,and I much rather stay here.

[Positively] I sha’n’t go to live on any o’ them avenoos. If I can’t go to the heathen with Roweny I ’m goin’ to stay right here at Cinder Corner. [Children show that they share ’s sentiments]

[From window] Here comes Roweny now!

Roweny! [All run to door]

How glad I am to see you all! I thought first I could n’t come till next Thursday, but suddenly found they would let me off and I took the next train, [To ] You got my telegram, mother, and know that I am married? [Goes toward ]

Yes. My good Roweny. [Embraces her]

We all want to congratulate you on doing so well, Rowena.

That is just what I was goin’ to say. [All nod in agreement]

Yes, I have done well. I have married a splendid man, who is as much interested in the work as I am, and when you see him I know you will congratulate me indeed.

Work? We did n’t suppose you’d have any work to do any more.

No work! Why, I could n’t live without work. What do you mean?

What did you say in your telegraph about your husband?

Why, I don’t remember saying anything about him except that he was a missionary.

A missionary!!

Oh, I’m so glad: [Dances about ; other children, catching ’s spirit, testify in various ways to the rejoicing]

He is a missionary. One of the foremost workers for years, We sail for Africa next week, which will be the scene of our first labors together. And some day I shall send for you, Amelia, as I promised. And Miss Simpkins, I think there is a fine opening for you there to teach sewing in one of the girls’ schools. In fact, there is work for all of us—even for my three dear step-children.

What is your husband worth?

[Laughs] Worth his weight in gold,

We got the impression you had married a man with lots of money.

Money? Well,hardly. The Board allows us a nice salary—all we shall need. [ hands the telegram]

[Reads] “Have married a millionaire.” [Laughs merrily] A millionaire! Oh, of all things, they took my word “missionary” for “millionaire”! It must be those long s’s I make. But you could n’t have believed it! What in the world would a millionaire have wanted of me for a‘ wife—me, Rowena Tubbs! [Laughs long and merrily]

[Comes forward] Well, for my part,—and I guess we ’re all agreed,—I think any one as gets Roweny for a wife, whether he ’s a millionaire or a missionary, is a lucky man.

[Crowding around, clapping hands and otherwise assenting] That ’s right. Good, good!