You have been wonderful! I'm sorry I couldn't stay to see you a little
further along the path of life. I love you dearly.
Your aunt, Miss Quest, understands my wishes. During the two years that
Jim is abroad, Miss Quest is to assume the necessary and natural
authority over you. I have every confidence in her. Besides, she is
legally qualified to act.
It is her desire and mine that you finish college. But if you really
find yourself unhappy there after the term is finished, then it is Miss
Quest's belief and mine also that you employ the period that otherwise
should have spent at Vassar, in acquiring some regular and legitimate
profession so that if ever the need comes you shall be able to take care
of yourself.
Miss Quest is inclined to think that a course in hospital training under
her direct supervision might prove acceptable to you. This you could
have in the institution endowed by Miss Quest at Bayport.
Perhaps such a course may appeal to you more than a college education.
If so, I shall not be dissatisfied.
But after that if you still feel that your life's work lies in the
direction of artistic self-expression, you will be old enough to follow
your own bent, and entitled to employ your opportunities toward that
end.
I have left you properly provided for: I leave you and Jim all the love
that is in my heart.
This is not the end, Steve, dear. There is no end--just a little rest
between the acts for such old actors in life's drama as your dad.
Later, you and Jim will join us behind the scenes--my wife and I--and we
shall see what we shall see!--my little girl!--my darling.