Nancy Ellen resented his tone.

“Would you like us better if we were?”

“I couldn’t like you better than I do, but because of what I have heard and seen, it naturally makes me wonder what could have happened that has made her cry.”

“We are rather outspoken, and not at all secretive,” said Nancy Ellen, carelessly, “you will soon know.”

Kate followed the walk around the house and entered at the side door, finding her father and mother in the dining room reading the weekly papers.  Her mother glanced up as she entered.

“What did you bring Agatha’s telescope back with you for?” she instantly demanded.

For a second Kate hesitated.  It had to come, she might as well get it over.  Possibly it would be easier with them alone than if Nancy Ellen were present.

“It is mine,” she said.  “It represents my first purchase on my own hook and line.”

“You are not very choicy to begin on second-hand stuff.  Nancy Ellen would have had a new one.”

“No doubt!” said Kate.  “But this will do for me.”

Her father lowered his paper and asked harshly:  “What did you buy that thing for?”

Kate gripped the handle and braced herself.

“To pack my clothes in when I go to my school next week,” she said simply.

“What?” he shouted.  “What?” cried her mother.

“I don’t know why you seem surprised,” said Kate.  “Surely you knew I went to Normal to prepare myself to teach.  Did you think I couldn’t find a school?”

“Now look here, young woman,” shouted Adam Bates, “you are done taking the bit in your teeth.  Nancy Ellen is not going to teach this winter.  I have taken the home school for you; you will teach it.  That is settled.  I have signed the contract.  It must be fulfilled.”

“Then Nancy Ellen will have to fulfill it,” said Kate.  “I also have signed a contract that must be fulfilled.  I am of age, and you had no authority from me to sign a contract for me.”

For an instant Kate thought there was danger that the purple rush of blood to her father’s head might kill him.  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.  “Not one of the girls, even Exceptional Ability, ever had as good a school or as high wages to start on.  If I do well there this winter, I am sure I can get in the Hartley graded schools next fall.”