property sold at auction I shouldn't he surprised if it did not fetch
more than the amount of my lien upon it."

"I will trust in Providence, Squire Davenport."

"Providence won't pay off your mortgage, ma'am," said Kirk, with a
coarse laugh.

Mrs. Barclay did not answer. She saw that he was a man of coarse
fiber and did not care to notice him.

"Come along, Kirk," said the squire. "I apprehend she will be all
right after a while. Mrs. Barclay will see her own interest when she
comes to reflect."

"Good-evening, ma'am," said Kirk.

Mrs. Barclay inclined her head slowly, but did not reply.

When the two had left the house she sank into a chair and gave herself
to painful thoughts. She had known that Squire Davenport had the
right to dispossess her, but had not supposed he would do so as long
as she paid the interest regularly. In order to do this, she and Ben
had made earnest efforts, and denied themselves all but the barest
necessities. Thus far she had succeeded. The interest on seven
hundred dollars at six per cent. had amounted to forty-two dollars,
and this was a large sum to pay, but thus far they had always had it
ready. That Squire Davenport, with his own handsome mansion, would
fix covetous eyes on her little home, she had not anticipated, but it
had come to pass.