CHAPTER 14 Mr. Vincent’s Disclosure

THUS dismissed, the Brownies did not linger at Mrs. Myles’ home.

However, once they were on the road again, en route to report to Mr. Vincent, they discussed the snatch of overheard conversation.

“Mrs. Myles is upset because she is afraid she will lose her home,” Connie commented. “Miss Gordon, do you think the bank will take it away from her?”

“I’m very much afraid of it,” the teacher replied. “From what Mrs. Myles said, I doubt she ever will be able to pay off the loan on her property.”

“What’s a loan?” demanded Rosemary, who knew little of business matters.

“When Mrs. Myles found herself in financial need, she undoubtedly went to the bank and asked if the officials there would advance her a little money. I assume that they agreed to do so, but to protect themselves, took a mortgage or lien on her property.”

“And now that she can’t repay the money, they’re entitled to claim the house,” supplied Eileen.

“The house and possibly its contents will be sold at sheriff’s sale,” Miss Gordon explained. “Of course if more money should be obtained than the amount Mrs. Myles owes the bank, then she would receive the difference.”

“I don’t think that place will bring much,” said Sunny dubiously.

“Nor do I,” agreed Miss Gordon. “I’m afraid Mrs. Myles is in a serious predicament. I only wish we could help her.”

“Maybe Mr. Vincent will think of a way,” suggested Connie. “He’s very much interested.”

The carpenter was waiting in the yard when the Brownies straggled in, carrying their empty baskets. Eagerly he went to meet them at the gate.

“She kept the food?” he asked. “How did she take it?”

Miss Gordon related the entire conversation with Mrs. Myles. As she added that the woman did not seem to have enough food, his face became deeply troubled.

“I was afraid of it,” he nodded. “Well, we’ll see to it that she gets baskets regularly.”

“Mrs. Myles said not to bring any more food,” Veve interposed. “Besides, she has a worse problem.”

“How is that?”

The girls told him of the conversation they had overheard.

As Mr. Vincent listened, he kept moving the gate back and forth. In his nervousness he did not notice that it was making an unpleasant creaking sound.

“Oh, this is serious!” he exclaimed. “I didn’t know she had mortgaged her place. In that case, she hasn’t anything left!”

The Brownies thought it odd that the carpenter seemed so distressed by Mrs. Myles’ misfortune. They very much wanted to help the old lady too, but the matter did not excite them as it did Mr. Vincent.

“Exactly what did the bank man say?” he questioned the girls.

They related the conversation as best they could, telling of the sums the bank employee had mentioned.

“She must owe at least $1,330,” Mr. Vincent calculated. “That’s a tidy sum. Mrs. Myles couldn’t raise it in a year. Unless someone helps her, she’s certain to lose her home.”

“Quite soon too,” added Miss Gordon. “We heard the man from the bank say action already had been started.”

“Do you know of any way to help Mrs. Myles?” Veve asked the carpenter.

“Yes, I do,” he replied. “I could pay off the loan myself if she would permit me to do it.”

Even Miss Gordon was amazed by this generous offer.

“The loan amounts to considerable,” she commented.

“Yes, but I have a comfortable home of my own and a savings account. I would like to help Mrs. Myles. The question is, will she permit it?”

“She might, now that she is in such desperate circumstance,” said Miss Gordon thoughtfully. “Why not go to her and—”

“No, that would never do. She would refuse to see me.”

“How stupid!” exclaimed Sunny.

“If Mrs. Myles is that proud, I don’t think she deserves any help,” declared Jane, tossing her pigtails.

Mr. Vincent smiled. “You don’t understand,” he said quietly. “My acquaintance with Mrs. Myles goes back a long, long time. The story is one I hesitate to tell.”

“We don’t wish to pry into personal affairs,” Miss Gordon said quickly. “Please don’t feel that you need to explain anything, Mr. Vincent.”

“Nevertheless, you must wonder why I take such an interest in Mrs. Myles.”

“I’m sure she needs help. It’s very generous of you to concern yourself.”

“Oh, I’m not such a charitable person by and large,” Mr. Vincent belittled himself. “The truth is, I have a special reason for thinking of Mrs. Myles’ welfare.”

The Brownies listened attentively, certain that the carpenter was about to make an interesting revelation.

Nor were they disappointed. Taking a deep breath, Mr. Vincent went on:

“You may not know this. Mrs. Myles dislikes me intensely. I might even say she hates me.”

“But why?” cut in Veve. “You’re awfully nice.”

“Thank you,” he said, smiling down upon her. “To go on, Mrs. Myles hasn’t spoken a word to me in years. My sister detests the ground I walk on.”

The Brownies wondered if they had heard correctly.

“Your sister?” echoed Connie.

Mr. Vincent nodded.

“Now you know why I take a personal interest in Mrs. Myles,” he said. “I want to help her and feel it is my duty to do so. But she will have nothing to do with me.”

“How strange!” exclaimed Sunny, unable to understand the odd situation. “Why doesn’t Mrs. Myles like you?”

The instant the question had been asked, the Brownies were sorry. Mr. Vincent, they could see, did not want to answer.

“It’s a long story and a painful one,” he said. “I’d prefer not to say any more about it just now.”

“Of course not,” agreed Miss Gordon promptly. “We’ll do anything we can to help.”

“I’ll appreciate it,” Mr. Vincent said soberly. “You might approach my sister to see if she will accept the money. It will be difficult to convince her though, and I’m very much afraid she’ll reject any offer of help.”