"Mrs. Preston says you're not to come next week," said Ellen.

 

"She told me so herself this morning. She is angry because I took the part of my boy against Master Godfrey."

 

"Godfrey's the hatefulest boy I ever see," said Ellen, whose grammar was a little defective¹. "He's always putting on airs."

 

"He struck my Andy, and Andy struck him back."

 

"I'm glad he did," said Ellen, emphatically. "I hope he'll do it again."

 

"I don't want the boys to fight. Andy's a peaceable lad; and he'll be quiet if he's let alone. But he's just like his poor father, and he won't let anybody trample² on him."

 

"That's where he's right," said Ellen. "I'm sorry you're not coming again, Mrs. Burke."

 

"So am I, Ellen, for I need the money, but I'll stand by my boy."

 

"You iron real beautiful. I've heard Mrs. Preston say so often. She won't get nobody that'll suit her so well."

 

"If you hear of anybody else that wants help, Ellen, will you send them to me?"

 

This Ellen faithfully promised, and Mrs. Burke went home, sorry to have lost her engagement, but not sorry to have stood up for Andy, of whom she was proud.

 

Andy was at home when she returned. He had found enough to do at home to occupy him so far. The next day he meant to go out in search of employment. When his mother got back she found him cutting some brush which he had obtained from the neighboring woods.

 

"There, mother," he said, pointing to a considerable pile, "you'll have enough sticks to last you a good while."

 

"Thank you, Andy, dear. That'll save Mary and me a good deal of trouble."

 

There was nothing in her words, but something in her tone, which led Andy to ask:

 

"What's the matter, mother? Has anything happened?"

 

"I've got through working for Mrs. Preston, Andy."

 

"Got through? For to-day, you mean?"

 

"No; I'm not going to work there again."

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