“Take a seat, Squire Haynes,” said Mrs. Frost “You'll find this rocking-chair more comfortable.'
“I am very well seated, thank you. I cannot stop long. I have merely called on a matter of business.”
“About the mortgage?” interrupted Frank, who could keep silence no longer.
“Precisely so. I regret to say that I have urgent occasion for the money, and shall be unable to renew it.”
“We have got four hundred dollars,” said Mrs. Frost, “which we are intending to pay.”
“I am sorry to say that this will not answer my purpose.”
“Why did you not let us know before?” asked Frank abruptly.
“It was only this morning that the necessity arose. I have a note due which must be paid.”
“We are not provided with the money, Squire Haynes,” said Mrs. Frost. “if, however, you will wait a few days, we can probably raise it among our friends.”
“I regret to say that this will not do,” said the squire, “I would gladly postpone the matter. The investment has been satisfactory to me, but necessity knows no law.”
Frank was about to burst out with some indignant exclamation, but his mother, checking him, said: “I think there is little chance of our being able to pay you to-morrow. May I inquire what course you propose to take?”
“It will be my painful duty to foreclose the mortgage.”
“Squire Haynes,” said Frank boldly, “haven't you intended to foreclose the mortgage all along? Hadn't you decided about it when I called upon you ten days ago?”
“What do you mean by your impertinence, sir?” demanded the squire, giving vent to his anger.
“Just what I say. I believe you bear a grudge against my father, and only put me off the other day in order to prevent my being able to meet your demands to-morrow. What do you suppose we can do in less than twenty-four hours?”
“Madam!” said the squire, purple with rage, “do you permit your son to insult me in this manner?”
“I leave it to your conscience, Squire Haynes, whether his charges are not deserved. I do not like to think ill of any man, but your course is very suspicious.”
“Madam,” said Squire Haynes, now thoroughly enraged, “you are a woman, and can say what you please; but as for this young rascal, I'll beat him within an inch of his life if I ever catch him out of your presence.”