"Suppose we send for Neal and ask him about it."
When Neal came he was given the two letters to read. He did so, and laid them down without a word.
"Well, what have you got to say for yourself?" asked his brother-in-law, impatiently.
"Nothing."
"Neal dear, you must explain," said Hester.
"Why should I explain? I paid the debt. It doesn't make any difference to either of you how I did it."
"It makes a great deal of difference," exclaimed Mr. Franklin, who was rapidly growing angry. "In the first place, how did you come to be owing fifty dollars so soon after the other debt was paid? What did you do with the first fifty your sister gave you in the fall?"
"Spent it."
"Neal!" cried Hester. "Didn't you pay your debts then? Why didn't you?"
He said nothing.