ainst you," went on the squire, smoothly. "I've no
doubt you have forgotten the payment of the debt, and----"

"I don't forget so easily, though I am sixty-five. Don't fear that I
shall ask for it again--indeed, I haven't asked for it at all--but I
shall not forget how you have treated my claim. Of course it amounts to
nothing in law--it's outlawed long ago--but I only wish my poor brother
were alive to disprove your words."

Even Albert Marlowe was shamed by the old man's sorrowful dignity.

"We can't agree about that, Uncle Jacob," he said; "but if ever you get
very hard up, let me know, and I'll see if I can't help you--in a small
way."

"You are very kind," answered the old man, "but I don't think that time
will come. As you say, my wants are few, and I am still able to work.
I'll go up to my room and get my valise, and then I'll go over to Mary
Barton's."

"Thank Heaven! I've got rid of him," mused the squire, as from the
doorway he saw Uncle Jacob walking slowly down the street. "I was afraid
he'd mention that money he lent father. With twenty-seven years'
interest it would amount to a good deal of money--more than I could well
spare. I don't think I shall hear from it again."

"Has he gone, Albert?" asked Mrs. Marlowe, returning to the
breakfast-room.

"Yes; I told him you were indisposed, and couldn't stand excitement."

"No matter what you told him, as long as we are rid of him."

CHAPTER VI

SQUIRE MARLOWE IS SURPRISED.

Mrs. Barton was washing the breakfast dishes, and was alone, Bert having
gone to his daily work at the shoe shop, when the outer door opened and
Uncle Jacob entered the cottage, valise in hand.

"I've accepted your offer sooner than you expected, Mary," he said.

"You are heartily welcome, Uncle Jacob," responded his niece, with
evident sincerity. "If you can put up with our poor accommodations after
being entertained in Albert's luxurious home----"

"Don't trouble yourself about that, Mary," interrupted the old man.
"Albert doesn't want me. He civilly asked me to find another stopping
place."

"You don't mean it!" exclaimed Mrs. Barton indignantly.

"You see," explained Uncle Jacob, with a quiet smile, "his wife was
taken suddenly indisposed--after she found I wasn't as rich as she
expected."

"I hope you won't take it too much to heart, Uncle Jacob," observed Mary
Barton, in a tone of solicitude.

Uncle Jacob's amused laugh reassured her.

"It is just what I