hensible.

"So," said Rachel, in conclusion, "that's how it happened. That's why
Cap'n Lote couldn't ever forgive your father."

He tossed his head. "Well, he ought to have forgiven him," he declared.
"He was dead lucky to get such a man for a son-in-law, if you ask me."

"He didn't think so. And he wouldn't ever mention your pa's name."

"Oh, I don't doubt that. Anybody can see how he hated Father. And he
hates me the same way," he added moodily.

Mrs. Ellis was much disturbed. "Oh, no, he don't," she cried. "You
mustn't think that, Albert. He don't hate you, I'm sure of it. He's
just kind of doubtful about you, that's all. He remembers how your pa
acted--or how he thinks he acted--and so he can't help bein' the least
mite afraid the same thing may crop out in you. If you just stick to
your job over there at the lumber yards and keep on tryin' to please
him, he'll get all over that suspicion, see if he don't. Cap'n Lote
Snow is stubborn sometimes and hard to turn, but he's square as a brick.
There's some that don't like him, and a good many that don't agree with
him--but everybody respects him."

Albert did not answer. The housekeeper rose from her chair.

"There!" she exclaimed. "I don't know when I've set down for so long.
Goodness knows I've got work enough to do without settin' around
talkin'. I can't think what possessed me to do it this time, unless
'twas seein' you readin' that book." She paused a moment and then said:
"Albert, I--I don't want you and your grandpa to have any quarrels. You
see--well, you see, I used to know your mother real well, and--and I
thought an awful sight of her. I wish--I do wish when you and the cap'n
have any trouble or anything, or when you think you're liable to have
any, you'd come and talk it over with me. I'm like the feller that Laban
tells about in his dog-fight yarn. This feller was watchin' the fight
and when they asked him to stop it afore one or t'other of the dogs
was killed, he just shook his head. 'No-o,' he says, kind of slow and
moderate, 'I guess I shan't interfere. One of 'em's been stealin' my
chickens and the other one bit me. I'm a friend to both parties,' he
says. Course I don't mean it exactly that way," she added, with a smile,
"but you know what I do mean, I guess. WILL you talk things over with me
sometimes, Albert?"

His answer was not very enthusiastic, but he said he guessed so, and
Rachel seemed satisfied with that. She went on with her dusting, a