"What in the world is the matter?" asked Nancy Ellen.

"You know, of course, that Father signed a contract for me to
teach the home school this winter," explained Kate. "Well, I am
of age, and he had no authority from me, so his contract isn't
legal. None of you would lift a finger to help me get away to
Normal, how was I to know that you would take any interest in
finding me a school while I was gone? I thought it was all up to
me, so I applied for the school in Walden, got it, and signed the
contract to teach it. It is a better school, at higher wages. I
thought you would teach here -- I can't break my contract. Father
is furious and has ordered me out of the house. So there you are,
or rather here I am."

"Well, it isn't much of a joke," said Nancy Ellen, thinking
intently.

What she might have said had they been alone, Kate always
wondered. What she did say while her betrothed looked at her with
indignant eyes was possibly another matter. It proved to be
merely: "Oh, Kate, I am so sorry!"

"So am I," said Kate. "If I had known what your plans were, of
course I should gladly have helped you out. If only you had
written me and told me."

"I wanted to surprise you," said Nancy Ellen.

"You have," said Kate. "Enough to last a lifetime. I don't see