What I wish to say is, that it will be better if from
to-day you consider yourself as working for your own subsistence.
So long as I remain here this house is of course your home; there
can be no question between us of trivial expenses. But it is
right that you should understand what my prospects are. I shall
soon have no home to offer you; you must look to your own efforts
for support.'
'I am prepared to do that, father.'
'I think you will have no great difficulty in earning enough for
yourself. I have done my best to train you in writing for the
periodicals, and your natural abilities are considerable. If you
marry, I wish you a happy life. The end of mine, of many long
years of unremitting toil, is failure and destitution.'
Marian sobbed.
'That's all I had to say,' concluded her father, his voice
tremulous with self-compassion. 'I will only beg that there may
be no further profitless discussion between us. This room is open
to you, as always, and I see no reason why we should not converse
on subjects disconnected with our personal differences.
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