"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.

"I am going to teach the village school in Walden," said Kate.
"It is a brick building, has a janitor, I can board reasonably,
near my work, and I get twenty dollars more a month than our
school pays, while the term is four months longer."

"Well, it is a pity about that; but it makes no difference," said
her mother. "Our home school has got to be taught as Pa
contracted, and Nancy Ellen has got to have her chance."

"What about my chance?" asked Kate evenly. "Not one of the girls,
even Exceptional Ability, ever had as good a school or as high
wages to start on. If I do well there this winter, I am sure I
can get in the Hartley graded schools next fall."

"Don't you dare nickname your sister," cried Mrs. Bates, shrilly.
"You stop your impudence and mind your father."