t on
the brakes with a slam and a yell. The minister stopped right there in
the middle of the road with the front wheels of that auto not MORE'N two
foot from his old baggy trousers' knees, and says he, 'Eh? Did you want
me, Doctor?' The doctor fetched a long breath. 'Why, no, Mr. Kendall,'
he says, 'I didn't, but I come darn nigh gettin' you.' I don't know what
WOULD become of him if he didn't have Helen to look out for him."

As they came to know each other better their conversation dealt with
matters more personal. They sometimes spoke of plans for the future.
Albert's plans and ambitions were lofty, but rather vague. Helen's
were practical and definite. She was to graduate from high school that
spring. Then she was hoping to teach in the primary school there in the
village; the selectmen had promised her the opportunity.

"But, of course," she said, "I don't mean to stay here always. When I
can, after I have saved some money and if Father doesn't need me
too badly, I shall go away somewhere, to Bridgewater, or perhaps to
Radcliffe, and study. I want to specialize in my teaching, you know."

Albert regarded her with amused superiority.

"I don't see why on earth you are so anxious to be a school-marm," he
said. "That's the last job I'd want."

Her answer was given promptly, but without the least trace of temper.
That was one of the most provoking things about this girl, she would not
lose her temper. He usually lost his trying to make her. She spoke now,
pleasantly, and deliberately, but as if she were stating an undesirable
fact.

"I think it would be the last one you would get," she said.

"Why? Great Scott! I guess I could teach school if I wanted to. But you
bet I wouldn't want to! . . . NOW what are you laughing at?"

"I'm not laughing."

"Yes, you are. I can always tell when you're laughing; you get that look
in your eyes, that sort of--of--Oh, I can't tell you what kind of look
it is, but it makes me mad. It's the same kind of look my grandfather
has, and I could punch him for it sometimes. Why should you and he think
I'm not going to amount to anything?"

"I don't think so. And I'm sure he doesn't either. And I wasn't laughing
at you. Or, if I was, it--it was only because--"

"Well, because what?"

"Oh, because you are so AWFULLY sure you know--well, know more than most
people."

"Meaning I'm stuck on myself, I suppose. Well, now I tell you I'm
not going to hang around in this one-horse town a