"He seemed quite curious about me. I ought to feel flattered. And what did you reply?"

"I told him I did not know--that I only knew that part of your life had been passed in Europe. I heard him say under his breath, 'It is singular.' "

"Frank," said Mr. Morton, after a moment's thought, "I wish to have Squire Haynes learn as little of me as possible. If, therefore, he should ask you how I am employed, you say that I have come here for the benefit of my health. This is one of my motives, though not the principal one."

"I will remember," said Frank. "I don't think he will say much to me, however. He has a grudge against father, and his son does not like me. I am sorry that father is compelled to have some business relations with the squire."

"Yes, he holds a mortgage on our farm for eight hundred dollars. It was originally more, but it has been reduced to this. He will have the right to foreclose on the first of July."

"Shall you have the money ready for him at that time?"

"No; we may have half enough, perhaps. I am sometimes troubled when I think of it. Father feels confident, however, that the squire will not be hard upon us, but will renew the mortgage."

Henry Morton looked very thoughtful, but said nothing.