"Spangler, what are you talking about?" "It appears," said Mr. Spangler, "that her brother--" "Fiddlesticks!" said Dr. Lavendar. "Has Ellen started up some fantastic conscientiousness? Spangler, women's consciences are responsible for much unhappiness in this world. But I won't have it in my parish! I'll manage Ellen; trust me." He pulled at his pipe, which had gone out in these moments of agitation. "I tell you, sir," he said, striking a match on the bottom of his chair, "these saintly, self-sacrificing women do a fine work for the devil, if they only knew it, bless their hearts." "You misapprehend," said Mr. Spangler, wretchedly; and then told Miss Ellen's news. It was brief enough, this last letter; there was no blame of David; indeed, he had displayed, Miss Baily said, "a true chivalry; but of course--" "Of course," said Mr. Spangler. But Dr. Lavendar broke out so fiercely that Danny squeaked and jumped down out of the chair. "Upon my word; upon my word, Spangler, what were you thinking of to let it go on? If I had been at home, it would never--upon my _word_!" This was one of the times that Dr. Lavendar felt the limitations of his office in regard to language. Mr. Spangler, his elbows on his knees, his chin on hands, was staring miserably at the floor. "I shall, I trust, meet it in the proper spirit," he said. Dr. Lavendar nodded. "Of course," he said. "Fortunately, she is dealing with a man who has backbone--perhaps." Mr. Spangler sighed. "I regret to say that her presence in her school under the circumstances does seem imperative." Dr. Lavendar lighted his pipe. "Do you mean on account of money, Spangler?" "The support of Mr. David Baily and this--this _female_, must be met, I suppose, by Miss Baily's school." "You are not so situated that you--" began Dr. Lavendar, delicately. "My circumstances," said Augustus Spangler, "are not affluent. I have my residence in Mercer; and I supply, as you know. But my income barely suffices for one. Four--would be out of the question." Dr. Lavendar looked at Ellen's little, happy note, lying half open on the table. "Poor old jack-donkey of a David!" he groaned. "His selfishness," said Augustus Spangler, between his teeth, his voice suddenly trembling with anger, "is perfectly incomprehensible to me--perfectly incomprehensible! I endeavor always to exercise charity in judging any human creature; but--really, _really_!" "It isn't selfishness as much as silliness. David hasn't mind enough to be deliberately selfish. The poor fellow never thought. He never has thought. Ellen has always done the thinking for the family. Well, the harm's done. But, Spangler--" the old man stopped and glanced sharply at the forlorn and angry man opposite him. Yes, he certainly seemed very unhappy;--and as for Ellen! Dr. Lavendar could not bear that thought. "Spangler, I'll stand by you. I won't let her offer you up as well as herself. There must be some way out."