"As to the farm, then, you are likely to be the only bidder, unless you allow the mortgage to remain."
"If I were inclined to do that I would not disturb you as long as you paid the interest promptly."
"Then you decline to buy the farm at private sale?"
"I do."
"I don't think you will be any better off in the end, Squire Hudson, for oppressing a poor man, and robbing him of his little all," said Mark Nelson, bitterly.
"You don't look at the matter from a business point of view," said the squire, coldly. "I am acting as any business man would under the circumstances."
"I cannot believe you, sir. All business men are not so hard-hearted."
"I really don't think there is any use in prolonging this interview," said Squire Hudson, stiffly. "I have resolved upon my course, in which I am perfectly justified, however you may choose to regard it."
This removed the farmer's last hope, and he had only to look about for another home for his family. There was small choice of houses in the little farming town. In fact there was but one house,—a shabby, dilapidated building, a mile from the church and store. This, Mr. Nelson, having no choice, engaged for a period of three months.
"It makes me homesick to think of going to live in that barn," said Sarah, as they were sitting together after supper.