Nancy Ellen glanced at Robert, and saw the look of concern on his
face.
"I believe she has been crying," she said. "And if she has, it's
something new, for I never saw a tear on her face before in my
life."
"Truly?" he questioned in amazement.
"Why, of course! The Bates family are not weepers."
"So I have heard," said the man, rather dryly.
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.