"Then she has not paid rent for six months. I find she owes my husband's estate thirty dollars." "Colonel Preston told her she wasn't to pay it." "How do I know that?" "My mother says it, and she wouldn't tell a lie," said Andy, indignantly. "I have nothing to say as to that," said Mrs. Preston. "I am now managing the estate, and the question rests with me. I decide that your mother has been sufficiently paid for her services, and I shall claim rent for the last six months." Andy was silent for a moment. Then he spoke: "It may be so, Mrs. Preston. I'll speak to the doctor, and I'll do as he says." "I don't know what the doctor has to do with the matter," said Mrs. Preston, haughtily. "He wants to get an excuse for not paying," said Godfrey, with a sneer. "Mind your business," said Andy, excusably provoked. "Do you hear that, mother?" said Godfrey. "Are you going to let that beggar insult me before your very face?" "You have spoken very improperly to my son," said Mrs. Preston. "He spoke very improperly to me at first," said Andy, sturdily. "You do not appear to understand the respect due to me," said Mrs. Preston, with emphasis. "If I've treated you disrespectfully, I'm sorry," said Andy; "but Godfrey mustn't insult me, and call me names." "We have had enough of this," said Mrs. Preston. "I have only to repeat that your mother is indebted to me for six months' rent--thirty dollars--which I desire she will pay as soon as possible. One thing more: I must request her to find another home, as I have other plans for the house she occupies." "You're not goin' to turn her out of her house, sure?" said Andy, in some dismay. "It is not her house," said Mrs. Preston; though it occurred to her that it might have been, if she had not suppressed the will. But, of course, Andy knew nothing of this, nor did he suspect anything, since neither he nor his mother had the faintest idea of being remembered in Colonel Preston's will, kind though he had been to them both in his life. "I know it isn't," said Andy; "but she's got used to it. I don't know any other place we can get." "That is your lookout," said Mrs. Preston. "I have no doubt you can get in somewhere. As I said, the house is mine, and I have other views for it." "Can't we stay till the end of the quarter, ma'am?" "No; I wish to finish my business here as soon as possible, and then shall go to Boston." "How long can we stay, then?" "Till the first of the month." "That's only three days." "It is long enough to find another place. That is all I have to say," and Mrs. Preston turned to go. Andy rose, and followed her, without a word. He saw that it would be of no use to appeal for more time. Her tone was so firm and determined that there evidently was no moving her. "What will we do?" thought Andy, as he walked slowly and silently along the road.