ou must not be hard with me now, when I have paid more than you
demanded."

"I don't wish to come here again. That boy's impudence has put me all
out of conceit with you and your family," replied Mr. Hardhand,
assuming the most benevolent look he could command. "There was a time
when I was very willing to help you. I have waited a great while for
my pay for this house; a great deal longer than I would have waited for
anybody else."

"Your interest has always been paid punctually," suggested the widow,
modestly.

"That's true; but very few people would have waited as long as I have
for the principal. I wanted to help you--"

"By gracious!" exclaimed Bobby, interrupting him.

"Don't be saucy, my son, don't," said Mrs. Bright, fearing a repetition
of the former scene.

"_He_ wanted to help us!" ejaculated Bobby.

It was a very absurd and hypocritical expression on the part of Mr.
Hardhand; for he never wanted to help any one but himself; and during
the whole period of his relations with the poor widow, he had
oppressed, insulted, and abused her to the extent of his capacity, or
at least as far as his interest would permit.

He was a malicious and revengeful man. He did not consider the great
provocation he had given Bobby for his violent conduct, but determined
to be revenged, if it could be accomplished without losing any part of
the sixty dollars still due him. He was a wicked man at heart, and
would not scruple to turn the widow and her family out of house and
home.

Mrs. Bright knew this, and Bobby knew it too; and they felt very uneasy
about it. The wretch still had the power to injure them, and he would
use it without compunction.

"Yes, young man, I wanted to help you, and you see what I get for
it--contempt and insults! You will hear from me again in a day or two.
Perhaps you will change your tune, you young reprobate!"

"Perhaps I shall," replied Bobby, without much discretion.

"And you too, marm; you uphold him in his treatment of me. You have
not done your duty to him. You have been remiss, marm!" continued Mr.
Hardhand, growing bolder again, as he felt the power he wielded.

"That will do, sir; you can go!" said Bobby, springing from his chair,
and approaching Mr. Hardhand. "Go, and do your worst!"

"Humph! you stump me--do you?"

"I would rather see my mother kicked out of the house than insulted by
such a dried-up old curmudgeon as you are. Go along!"

"Now, don't, Bobby," pl