ible! I felt like a hypocrite
all the time, and yet I had not the courage to refuse meeting him for
fear of what would happen."

"But you had the courage at last, though?"

"It was only when I could stand him no longer. I knew for some time
that he was not a good man, but his actions of late have so disgusted
me beyond all bounds of endurance that I refused to have anything more
to do with him. There, I have told you all, and I feel greatly
relieved."

"I suppose you hardly know what you will do if you lose your place. Is
there not some one from whom you could borrow enough money to pay off
the mortgage?"

"I am afraid not. We have no security to give, and, besides, I dread
the thought of asking for help. Father will be almost heartbroken, and
it will make him more bitter than ever."

"At what?"

"The Church and all connected with it. Mr. Stubbles has been a warden
here for years, and the way he has acted has been partly the cause of
father's bitter feelings. Now he will be worse than ever. I wonder
what the new clergyman will be like."

"Perhaps he may be able to settle matters."

"I am afraid not. He will have to do as the Stubbles say or leave,
just as the others did. If he should happen to be a very strong-minded
man and will stand up for justice and right, he will have a most
difficult time of it. In that case, father would be his firm friend,
though I fear he could do but little to help him."

"His moral assistance would mean much, though, would it not?"

"Perhaps so," and Nell sighed. "But I think I must go home now.
Father and Nan will be wondering what has kept me. Won't you come and
see father? I know he wants to talk to you about his book. I am
thankful he has something to occupy his mind."

CHAPTER XXI

OUTDONE

When they reached the house, they found Nan up in arms. She scolded
Nell for being away so long and leaving her to get supper and wash the
dishes.

"I don't think it is fair," she pouted. "You go off and have a good
time, while I must stay home and drudge like a slave."

"You do not look any the worse for it," Douglas laughingly told her.
"It seems to agree with you. I never saw you look better."

"H'm," and Nan tossed her head. "It may agree with my complexion but
not with my temper. The only way you can make me good natured is to
have a game of checkers with me. I am just dying for a game. No one
here will play with me. It's too giddy, I suppose.