And, by the way, how is Tabbie to be
educated in this far-away place?"
"I am sorry, dear, but after all private luxuries, including that of
benevolence, must give way to sacred needs, so I will write to the Dean
that the money will be forthcoming when it is needed. As for Tabitha's
education, of course we will undertake it between us, at any rate for
the next few years."
"Yes, Thomas, since you have passed your word, or rather my word, the
money will be forthcoming. But meanwhile, if you can spare me the odd
500 pounds, I suggest that I should stay here with Tabbie, who could
continue to attend the college as a day-scholar, while you get us some
place ready to live in among these savages, the Sneezers, or whatever
they are called."
"My dear," answered Thomas, "consider what you ask. You are in perfect
health and so is our child. Would it not, then, be a downright scandal
that you should stop here in luxury while your husband went out to
confront grave difficulties among the Sisas--not the Sneezers--for I may
tell you at once that the difficulties are very grave? There is a noted
witch-doctor amongst this people named Menzi, who, I understand, is
suspected of having burned down the mission-house, and probably the
church also, because he said that it was ridiculous that an unmarried
man like the late priest should have so large a dwelling to live alone.
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