Charity felt comforted by her Uncle Evander's response, if "comforted" was the right word to use at all. There was nothing comfortable about becoming the ward (better known as a "nuisance" to some) of an unfamiliar uncle, and there was nothing comfortable about leaving her familiar circumstances. There would be nothing comfortable about visiting her father's grave site in the weeks to come, if Uncle Evander allowed her to. Even if he'd admitted that his prior experience with children was non-existent, she appreciated that he was open to learning.
(He would have to be, or she'd be doomed to a life like those girls with dreary parents in her story books—a fear that led her to leave behind her story books in favor of the newspaper, even if she could not understand many of the words. Newspapers were more dignified and adult-like.)
"I suppose I must teach you, because it seems I have no other choice," she declared with an air of confidence that came only from knowing she was right. "And don't worry, Uncle Evander, you won't disappoint me. I would only be disappointed if you sent me away." And even then, she imagined being sent away to live with Uncle Alfred would be a whole other adventure.
(He would have to be, or she'd be doomed to a life like those girls with dreary parents in her story books—a fear that led her to leave behind her story books in favor of the newspaper, even if she could not understand many of the words. Newspapers were more dignified and adult-like.)
"I suppose I must teach you, because it seems I have no other choice," she declared with an air of confidence that came only from knowing she was right. "And don't worry, Uncle Evander, you won't disappoint me. I would only be disappointed if you sent me away." And even then, she imagined being sent away to live with Uncle Alfred would be a whole other adventure.
