The expense had been great, much greater than
Thankful had expected or planned. It is true that the boarders, almost
without exception, had re-engaged rooms and board for the following
summer, but summer was a long way off. There was the winter to be lived
through and if, as they had hoped, additions and enlargements to the
establishment were to be made in the spring, more, a good deal more
money, would be needed.
"As I see it, Auntie," said Emily, when they discussed the situation,
"you have splendid prospects here. Your first season has been all or
more than you dared hope for, and if we had had good weather--the sort
of weather everyone says the Cape usually has in the fall months--you
would have come out even or better. But, even then, to make this scheme
a real money-maker, you would be obliged to have more sleeping-rooms
made over, and a larger dining-room. Now why don't you go and see
this--what is he?--cousin of yours, Mr. Cobb, and tell him just how you
stand? Tell him of your prospects and your plans, and get him to advance
you another thousand dollars--more, if you can get it. Why don't you do
that?"
Thankful did not answer. She had few secrets from Emily, whom she loved
as dearly as a daughter, but one secret she had kept. Just why she had
kept this one she might not have been able to explain satisfactorily,
even to herself. She had written Emily of her visit to Solomon Cobb's
"henhouse" and of the loan on mortgage which had resulted therefrom.
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