"What home do you refer to, Deacon Pinkerton?" asked Frank, looking
steadily in the face of his visitor.

"I mean the poorhouse, which the town generously provides for those who
cannot support themselves."

This was the first intimation Grace had received of the possibility that
they would be sent to such a home, and it frightened her.

"Oh, Frank!" she exclaimed, "must we go to the poorhouse?"

"No, Grace; don't be frightened," said Frank, soothingly. "We will not
go."

"Frank Fowler," said the deacon, sternly, "cease to mislead your
sister."

"I am not misleading her, sir."

"Did you not tell her that she would not be obliged to go to the
poorhouse?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then what do you mean by resisting my authority?"

"You have no authority over us. We are not paupers," and Frank lifted
his head proudly, and looked steadily in the face of the deacon.