"You promise that, sir?"
"I do."
"And will it mean that we must sell the house?"
"It will." The Colonel always excelled in the delivery of monosyllables.
"Sell the house?" gasped Beth.
"Come here, dear," said Judith, and drew her to her side. "Beth, you have plenty of courage, I know."
"I hope so." Pleased by the unusual caress, Beth controlled her trembling. "What are you planning, Judith?"
"We must entirely change our way of life." Judith looked to her father for confirmation; he nodded. "Are you willing to work, Beth?"
"I am willing," was the confident answer.
"Father," Judith asked, "how much will the house bring?"