Now Taffy had known nothing
of his parents' income. He assumed that it was little enough, and
that he must now leave Oxford and work to support the household.
He knew some Latin and Greek; but without a degree he had little
chance of teaching what he knew. He was a fair carpenter, and a more
than passable smith. . . . He revolved many schemes, but chiefly
found himself wondering what it would cost to enter an architect's
office.
"I suppose," said he, "father left no will?"
"Oh yes, he did," said Humility, and produced it: a single sheet of
foolscap signed on her wedding day. It gave her all her husband's
property absolutely--whatever it might be.
"Well," said Taffy, "I'm glad. I suppose there's enough for you to
rent a small cottage, while I look about for work?"
"Who talks about your finding work? You will go back to Oxford, of
course."
"Oh, shall I?" said Taffy, taken aback.
"Certainly; it was your father's wish."
"But the money?"
"With your scholarship there's enough to keep you there for the four
years. After that, no doubt, you will be earning a good income."
"But--" He remembered what had been said about the lace-money, and
could not help wondering.
"Taffy," said his mother, touching his hand, "leave all this to me
until your degree is taken. You have a race to run and must not
start unprepared. If you could have seen _his_ joy when the news
came of the demy-ship!"
Taffy kissed her and went up to his room.
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