"Uncle told me himself he was going to buy you one yesterday
when you went to town."

"I wouldn't have asked him to buy me anything yesterday for more'n
a suit of clothes."

"Why?" The girl opened her eyes. "Didn't he do anything with the lawyer?
Is that why you are both so glum this morning?"

"No, he didn't. The lawyer says the woman that owns the mortgage
has got to have the money. And it's due next week."

The girl grew pale all over her pretty rosy cheeks; her eyes
filled with tears as she gasped, "Oh, how hateful of her,
when she promised ----"

"She never promised nothing, Eve; it ain't been hers for
more than three months. Sloan, that used to have it, died,
and left his property to be divided up between his nieces;
and the mortgage is her share. See?"

"I don't care, it's just as mean. Mr. Sloan promised."

"No, he didn't; he jest said if Uncle was behind he wouldn't
press him; and he did let Uncle get behind with the interest
two times and never kicked. But he died; and now the woman,
she wants her money!"

"I think it is mean and cruel of her to turn us out!
Uncle says mortgages are wicked anyhow, and I believe him!"