aises of people inspired by a crowd as I do for one kind word from an
individual whom I have helped."

"Some one has influenced Uncle Josiah, if he has taken this attitude
against you."

"I have had the same fear. But even that would not excuse him for
cursing me and threatening me with violence under my own roof."

Elizabeth looked doubtful.

"It amounts to that, my dear. The things he said to me last night are
too vulgar to repeat. He swore vengeance against me. I am compelled to
take a certain action against him, and naturally he is not able to
see----"

"Father!" cried the girl. "Then, it is you who are threatening to do
something against him."

"So it seems to him on the face of the action I must take. But at bottom
it is an act of true friendship. He does not know the particulars, and I
am in no position to explain."

"What is it you are going to do?" she asked, drawing farther into the
corner near the window.

"I must request that you ask me no questions. You are not familiar
enough with the law to comprehend."

Her gaze was fixed on him, and the Elder hitched sidewise in his chair,
vainly trying to avoid her eyes. Failing in this, he attempted to meet
her look squarely. His eyes shifted unsteadily, and he looked above her
head. But the eyes of his child continued to bore into his guilty soul.

"Why do you stare at me in that manner, Beth?" he questioned, motioning
her to his side.

"I don't know." She gave no evidence that she saw his effort to draw her
near him.

"Then, stop glaring like that. How many times have I told you that it is
unladylike?"

"You're going to take his place from him because he cannot pay that
loan!" she whispered. "How can you be so cruel?"

Mr. Fox was left without excuse or reply. When he spoke, his voice was
harsh, and his words were sharp.

"I see, I have been unwise in telling you."

"You didn't tell me, but I could not help guessing the truth."

"I'm doing it for his good, and unless you believe me,----"

"For his good! You can't mean that! You shall not stoop----"

"Stoop!" He caught up the word with a hiss. But he soon controlled his
anger, and dropped his pale face into trembling hands. "God help me!
They that hurt me are even of my own household!"

"Father, I don't want to hurt you. I'm not your enemy!" she cried. "I'm
only your little Beth trying so hard to see why you must do this
terrible thing."

"Come to me," he begged.

She took her place on t