AUNT BETSEY, there's going to be a new Declaration of Independence. "Bless and save us, what do you mean, child?" And the startled old lady precipitated a pie into the oven with des...

 AUNT BETSEY, there's going to be a new Declaration of Independence. "Bless and save us, what do you mean, child?" And the startled old lady precipitated a pie into the oven with destructive haste. "I mean that, being of age, I'm going to take care of myself, and not be a burden any longer. Uncle wishes me out of the way; thinks I ought to go, and, sooner or later, will tell me so. I don't intend to wait for that, but, like the people in fairy tales, travel away into the world and seek my fortune. I know I can find it."