intended to leave for South Middleboro so soon; she had
planned to remain another week before going back to her school duties.
But there came a letter from the committee asking her to return as soon
as possible and she suddenly announced her determination to go at once.

Thankful at first tried to dissuade her, but soon gave up the attempt.
It was quite evident that Emily meant to go and equally certain, in her
cousin's mind, that the reason for the sudden departure was the scene
with John Kendrick. Emily refused to discuss the latter's conduct or to
permit the mention of his name. She seemed reluctant even to speak of
the Holliday Kendrick matter, although all of East Wellmouth was now
talking of little else. When Mrs. Barnes, driven to desperation, begged
her to say what should be done, she shook her head.

"I wish I could tell you, Auntie," she said, "but I can't. Perhaps you
don't need to do anything yet. Mr. Daniels says the idea that that man
can force you into selling is ridiculous."

"I know he does. But I'm a woman, Emily, and what I don't know about law
would fill a bigger library than there is in this town by a consider'ble
sight. It's always the woman, particularly a widow woman, that gets the
worst of it in this kind of thing. I'd feel better if I knew somebody
was lookin' out for me. Oh dear, if only Mr. John Kendrick hadn't--"

"Auntie, please."

"Yes, I know. But it don't seem as if he could act so to me. It don't
seem--"

"Hush! It is quite evident he can. Don't say any more."

"Well, I won't. But what shall I do? Shall I put it all in Mr. Daniels'
hands? He says he'll be glad to help; in fact about everybody thinks he
is helpin', I guess. Hannah Parker told me--"

"Don't, Auntie, don't. Put it in Mr. Daniels' hands, if you think best.
I suppose it is all you can do. Yes, let Mr. Daniels handle it for you."

"All right. I'll tell him you and I have agreed--"

"No. Tell him nothing of the sort. Don't bring my name into the matter."

"But, Emily, you don't think I ought to sell--"

"No! No! Of course I don't think so. If I were you I should fight to the
last ditch. I would never give in--never! Oh, Auntie, I feel wicked and
mean to leave you now, with all this new trouble; but I must--I must. I
can't stay here--I--"

"There, there, Emily, dear! I understand, I guess. I know how hard it is
for you. And I thought so much of him, too. I thought he was such a fine
young--"

"Aunt Thankful, ar