"Ma, you leave this to me," said Adam Bates, thickly. Then he
glared at Kate as he arose, stretching himself to full height.
"You've signed a contract for a school?" he demanded.

"I have," said Kate.

"Why didn't you wait until you got home and talked it over with
us?" he questioned.

"I went to you to talk over the subject to going," said Kate.
"You would not even allow me to speak. How was I to know that you
would have the slightest interest in what school I took, or
where."

"When did you sign this contract?" he continued.

"Yesterday afternoon, in Hartley," said Kate.

"Aha! Then I did miss a letter from my pocket. When did you get
to be a thief?" he demanded.

"Oh, Father!" cried Kate. "It was my letter. I could see my name
on the envelope. I ASKED you for it, before I took it."

"From behind my back, like the sneak-thief you are. You are not
fit to teach in a school where half the scholars are the children
of your brothers and sisters, and you are not fit to live with
honest people. Pack your things and be off!"

"Now? This afternoon?" asked Kate.