Eleanor H. Porter

“ They have n't the patience. Why, Martin! I could n't leave him with May. She would n't consent, ever. Besides, she has her own work to do and she loves it. I don't want her life spoiled. I want her to do something worth while. She's too young, anyway, to be left like that with all the cares.
"Even if it was n't for Father, there's Gordon. You don't know, but Gordon was—was getting in a bad way, rough and coarse and out nights, and hanging around hotels and pool-rooms. But I've changed all that. May says this place is a regular clubhouse now—and I suppose it is, but I don't care. ”

“ They're selfish themselves to want you to give up your whole life to them. Oh, yes, I know they depend on you. They always have. It's been, 'Sister Sue'll do it.' 'Sister Sue'll go.' 'Sister Sue'll stay.' But it's time all that was stopped. It's time Sister Sue had more chance to live her own life."
She smiled a little wistfully.
"Yes, I know. I sometimes have longed for a rest, just a little rest for a little while, but some one must do these things. ”

“ Then abruptly he stopped and faced her.
"Sweetheart, can't you see that that is exactly what I want—to get you away from it all? You are wearing yourself all out. You've done enough. Let some one else take the burden now." ”