DADDY-LONG-LEGS (10)

DADDY-LONG-LEGS (10)

" It seemed to me that you showed little gratitude in holding up to ridicule the institution that has done so much for you. Had you not managed to be funny I doubt if you would have been forgiven.
But fortunately for you, Mr ー that is, the gentleman who has just gone ー appears to have an immoderate sence of humor. On the strength of that impertient paper, he has offered to send you to college. "

" To college ? " Jerusha's eyes grew big.

Mrs. Lippett nodded.

" He waited to discuss the terms with me. They are unusual. The gentleman, I may say, is erratic. He believes that you have originality, and he is planning to educate you to become a writer. "

" A writer ? " Jerusha's mind was numbed.
She could only repeat Mrs. Lippett's words.

" That is his wish. Whether anything will come of it, the future will show. He is giving you a very liberal allowance, almost, for a girl who ahs never had any experience in taking care of money, too liberal. But he planned the matter in detail, and I did not feel free to make any suggestions.
You are to remain here through the summer, and Miss Pritchard has kindly offered to superintend  your outfit. Your board and tuition will be paid directry to the college, and you will receive in addition during the four years you are there, an allowance of thirty-five dollars a month. This will enable you to enter on the same standing as the other students.
The money will be sent to you by the gentleman's private secretary once a month, and in return you will write a letter of acknowledgment once a month.
That is ー you are not thank him for the money ; he desn't care to have that mentioned, but you are to write a letter telling of progress in your studies and the details of your daily life.
Just such a letter as you would write to your parents if they were living. "

" These letters will be addressed to Mr. John Smith and will be sent in care of  the secretary. The gentleman's name is not John Smith, but he prefers to remain unknown. "

(10/27)