"Hush, father," exclaimed the young man, firmly, "I know my own mind. Mr Mallow, I am sorry to have given all this trouble, and, as it were, placed you in a false position; but until a few minutes back I did not see this matter in the light I do now, and I definitely decline the post." "Your action does you great credit, young man," said Fullerton, pompously; "and I am glad to congratulate my fellow-townsman, Michael Ross, on the possession of such a son." "Your compliment is misplaced, sir," said Luke, coldly, "for my action in this matter is in nowise creditable to me. But that is my affair, and it need not be discussed." Mr Fullerton scowled on receiving this snub, and he was about to make some angry retort, but the Rector said at once-- "Then, gentlemen, we need say no more, unless you wish to discuss the question of Mr Bone's dismissal." "I claim," said Fullerton, "that he cannot be dismissed." "A majority of the school governors have the power to dismiss him, Mr Fullerton," replied the Rector, with dignity; and after a few more words he left the chair, the meeting being declared adjourned until application had been made to one of the institutions for another master. "I am sorry to find that you have come to such a decision, Mr Ross," said the Rector, as he encountered Luke outside the inn. "I was sorry to come to such a decision, sir," replied Luke; "but, believe me that I have been in no way influenced by those who seem to be in opposition to you, and I hope that you will persist in Humphrey Bone's dismissal, and the appointment of another man." The Rector bowed and walked on with his son, who raised his hat slightly to Luke, that salute being returned as the young men's eyes met once more, each reading in those of the other a growing dislike which must some day ripen into enmity. Then they passed on their several ways, both having the same object in view. PART ONE, CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. DOUBTS. It was nearly twelve o'clock, and in spite of her efforts, Sage Portlock's thoughts had wandered a good deal from the work she had in hand. It was the morning upon which Luke Ross's appointment was to be confirmed, and her face flushed as she thought of the time when he would be conducting the next school, and the future looked very rosy and bright, for she told herself that in secret she was very fond of Luke. Julia and Cynthia Mallow had been there to take a class and chat with her for a few minutes, Cynthia being ready with a sly allusion to the business upon which papa had been left. "We are going to pick up papa after he has fastened your schoolmaster, Sage," she said; "but first of all we are going to drive over to the farm and see Mrs Berry and the little ones. When does she go away?" "To-morrow, Miss Cynthia," said Sage, turning rather white, "and--and she is not very well. Would you mind not calling, Miss Julia?"