He opened his mouth, but no distinct words came.

Her face paled with fright, but she was of his blood, so she faced him quietly.

Her mother was quicker of wit, and sharper of tongue.
"Where did you get a school?
Why didn't you wait until you got home ?" she demanded.
"I am going to teach the village school in Walden," said Kate.

"It is a brick building, has a janitor, I can board reasonably, near my work, and I get twenty dollars more a month than our school pays, while the term is four months longer." "Well, it is a pity about that; but it makes no difference," said her mother.

"Our home school has got to be taught as Pa contracted, and Nancy Ellen has got to have her chance." "What about my chance ?" asked Kate evenly.