They went to the door and knocked . It was opened with a jerk and Mrs. Elwell stood before them . She had probably seen them from the window , for she uttered no word of surprise at seeing Chester again . Indeed , she said nothing at all , but only stood rigidly before them . Dear me , what a disagreeable-looking woman ! thought Miss Salome . But she said courteously , `` Are you Mrs. Elwell ? '' `` I am , '' said that lady forbiddingly . `` I 've brought your nephew home , '' continued Miss Salome , laying her hand encouragingly on Chester 's shrinking shoulder . `` I have had him hired for some time on my farm at Hopedale , but I did n't know until yesterday that he had run away from you . When he told me about it , I thought he ought to come straight back and return your four dollars , and so did he . So I have brought him . '' `` You might have saved yourself the trouble then ! '' cried Mrs. Elwell shrilly . Her black eyes flashed with anger . `` I 'm done with him and do n't want the money . Run away when there was work to do , and thinks he can come back now that it 's all done and loaf all winter , does he ? He shall never enter my house again . '' `` That he shall not ! '' cried Miss Salome , at last finding her tongue .
Her gentle nature was grievously stirred by the heartlessness shown in the face and voice of Mrs. XXXXX .
Chester Elwell Hopedale Salome dollars door loaf money winter woman