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."