"I am a lawyer, Mrs. Comstock," said Ammon. "It •appeals to me as beneath your ordinary sense of justice to decide a case without hearing the evidence. It is due me that you hear me first."
"Hear your side!" flashed Mrs. Comstock. "I'd a heap sight rather hear the girl!"
"I wish to my soul that you had heard and seen her last night, Mrs. Comstock," said Ammon. "Then, my way would be clear. I never even thought of coming here today. I'll admit I would have come in time, but not for many months. My father sent me."
"Your father sent you!" repeated Mrs. Comstock. "Why?"
"Father, mother, and Polly were present last night. They and all my friends saw me insulted and disgraced in the worst exhibition of uncontrolled temper any of us ever witnessed. All of them knew it was the end. Father liked what I had told him of Elnora, and he advised me to come here, so I came. If she does not want me, I can leave instantly, but, oh, I hoped she would understand!"
"You people are not splitting wood," called Elnora from the back door.
"Oh, yes, we are!" answered Mrs. Comstock. "You set out the things for biscuit, and lay the table." She turned again to Ammon. "I know considerable about your father," she said. "I have met your uncle's family frequently this winter. I've heard your Aunt Anna say that she didn't at all like Miss Carr, and that she and all
