Herman sprang out to meet a tall old man with head muffled up. "Hello, dad! Take the team. We're just naturally froze solid--at least I am. This is Mr. Stacey, the new teacher." "How de do? Run in; I'll take the horses." Herman and Wallace stumbled toward the house, stiff and bent. Herman flung his arms about a tall woman in the kitchen door. "Hello, muz!" he said. "This is Mr. Stacey, the new teacher." "Draw up to the fire, sir. Herman, take his hat and coat." Mattie came in soon with a boyish rush. She was gleeful as a happy babe. She unwound the scarf from her head and neck, and hung up her cap and cloak like a man, but she gave her hair a little touch of feminine care, and came forward with both palms pressed to her burning cheeks. "Did you suffer, child?" asked Mrs. Allen. "No; I enjoyed it." Herman looked at Stacey. "I believe on my life she did." "Oh, it's fun. I don't get a chance to do anything so exciting very often." Herman clicked his tongue. "Exciting? Well, well!" "You must remember things are slower here," Mattie explained. She came to light much younger than Stacey thought her. She was not eighteen, but her supple and splendid figure was fully matured. Her hair hung down her back in a braid, which gave a subtle touch of childishness to her. "Sis, you're still a-growin'," Herman said, as he put his arm around her waist and looked up at her. She seemed to realize for the first time that Stacey was a young man, and her eyes fell. "Well, now, set up the chairs, child," said Mrs. Allen. When the young teacher returned from his cold spare room off the parlor the family sat waiting for him. They all drew up noisily, and Allen said: "Ask the blessing, sir?" Wallace said grace. As Allen passed the potatoes he continued: "My son tells me you are a minister of the gospel." "I have studied for it." "What denomination?" "Tut, tut!" warned Herman. "Don't start any theological rabbits to-night, dad. With jaw swelled up you won't be able to hold your own." "I'm a Baptist," Stacey answered. The old man's face grew grim. It had been ludicrous before with its swollen jaw. "Baptist?" The old man turned to his son, whose smile angered him. "Didn't you know no more'n to bring a Baptist preacher into this house?" "There, there, father!" began the wife. "Be quiet. I'm boss of this shanty." Herman struck in: "Don't make a show of yourself, old man. Don't mind the old gent, Stacey; he's mumpy to-day, anyhow." Stacey rose. "I guess I--I'd better not stay--I----" "Oh, no, no! Sit down, Stacey. It's all right. The old man's a little acid at me. He doesn't mean it." Stacey got his coat and hat. His heart was swollen with indignation. He felt as if something fine were lost to him, and the cold outside was so desolate now. Mrs. Allen was in tears; but the old man, having taken his stand, was going to keep it.