care to observe closely, much that she would
have otherwise passed unnoticed.

"Thank heaven!" said Farmer Owen, as he came in and seated himself
wearily, on Saturday evening, "that to-morrow is a day of rest. Miss,"
(turning abruptly to Clemence,) "you ought to be absolutely happy with
only a handful of young ones around you for six hours a day, and the
rest of the time to do nothing. I am beginning to think it pays to get
learning."

The girl regarded him with a mingled expression of surprise and
amusement struggling in her face, as she replied:

"Perhaps my life does seem an easy one to others. At least, I do not
complain."

"No," said the farmer, "but you've foolishly added to your burdens,
taking that young one of Lynn's. Whatever induced you to do it?"

"Nothing," she replied, quietly, "but the thought that it was my duty.
There was none other to assume the responsibility, so it rested upon
me."

"That's sheer nonsense," he said contemptuously. "What do you suppose
would become of you now, if you should fall sick, or the child either?
In that case, it would not be much of a kindness you have done her,
filling her head with grand ideas, as I hear, about being a lady, and
all that. She'd go to the poor house all the same, and you would have
nothing to help yourself with, unless," he added, curiously, "you are
independent of your position."

"Nothing of the kind," said Clemence. "I depend solely upon my own
efforts for support, as I have repeatedly declared in answer to similar
enquiries."

"Then you've done an unheard of thing, that's all that I can say, and if
you expect to be thought better for it, you are mistaken, for people
will only call you a fool for your pains, and I doubt if the girl
herself will ever repay one half your efforts, or feel any gratitude for
them."

"As to that," she said abstractedly, looking off into the gathering
twilight, "I have not expected payment and shall not be disappointed in
that case. However, I do not regret the step. On the contrary, I am
thankful for the privilege."

"Where's the young 'un now?" he asked. "To Swan's yet?"

Clemence nodded in the affirmative.

"How much do you pay a week for her board?"

"Two dollars," she said coolly.

"And you earn how much?"

"Five dollars per week and board."

"And have had to clothe her besides buying what books and other articles
a child needs? Well, you are green. They say, too, you dress pretty well
yourself. Can