while he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse.then jack upset a little cutglass vase that was standing on the table beside him.it was broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a borrowed book that would have to be replaced.about noon dr.trent called to see jack.he had brought a new kind of brace that he wanted tried.it will help him amazingly, he said, but it is very expensive.bethanys heart sank.she thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flourbarrel.she could not see where all the money they needed was to come from.its too small, said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace.the size larger will be just the thing.i will bring it in the morning.he wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold.a storm must be brewing, he remarked.it is so oppressively sultry.it was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden windstorm that came up with terrific force.the trees in the avenue were lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth.huge limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and hanging.it was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, that suggested winter.the roses were all beaten off the bushes, their pink petals scattered over the soaked grass.the porch was covered with broken twigs and wet leaves.as night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house.how can it be so cold and dreary in july? inquired jack.lets have a fire in the library and eat supper there tonight.bethany shivered.it had been the judges favorite room in the winter, on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, oldfashioned tiling.she rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in the big armchair to cry over the perplexities that he had always shielded her from so carefully.but jack insisted, and presently the flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship.look! cried jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection of the fire in the garden outside.dont you remember what you read me in snowbound? under the tree, when fire outdoors burns merrily, there the witches are making tea.this would be a fine night for witch stories.the wind makes such queer noises in the chimney.lets tell em after supper, all the awful ones we can think of, specially the salem ones.as usual, jacks wishes prevailed.afterward, when bethany had tucked him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on such a grewsome subject.she leaned back in her fathers great armchair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions.her white hands were clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her.the judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when he had been near enough to do it for her.but his love had made him shortsighted.in shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come when he was no longer with her.every one was surprised at the course she determined upon.i supposed, of course, said mrs.marion, that you would try to teach drawing or watercolors, or something.you have spent so much time on your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work.then those little dinnercards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful.i am sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you orders.no, cousin ray, answered bethany decidedly; i must have something that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on.while i have painted some very acceptable things, i never was cut out for a teacher.id rather not attempt anything in which i can never be more than thirdrate