'Why, Hiram, what do you mean—what can you mean?'
'Nothing to alarm you, but everything to impress you with the fact that no time is to be lost. Your father has made the foolish resolution to give up all his private property to his creditors'—
'So he told mamma and me. Is that not right?'
'No, it is not right. It is wrong,' replied Hiram, in a harsh tone. 'More than wrong—sinful—wicked, very wicked. Do you know who it is the Scripture says is worse than an infidel?'
'I do not,' she replied faintly.
Hiram intended to frighten her, and he had succeeded.
'You do not! Well, it is the man who fails to provide for his own household. Why, we had the text in our Sunday-school lesson only three weeks ago.'
Emma sat paralyzed.
'Now, Emma,' continued Hiram, 'I want you to see your mother, and tell her what I say. Tell her your father is determined to ruin the whole of you—going to give up this very house—just think of that.'
'Papa has already told us so,' said Emma in a low, timid tone; 'but he says it is the only honorable course.'