I 've worked hard enough and done my best to keep the old place , but it 's been uphill work and I 'm beaten at last . '' Nan sat blankly down on the stool by the window . Her face was a study which John Osborne , watching old Abe 's movements , missed . `` Well , I never ! '' she gasped . `` John Osborne , do you mean to tell me that Bryan Lee is going to do that ? How did he come to get your mortgage ? '' `` Bought it from old Townsend , '' answered John briefly . `` Oh , he 's within his rights , I 'll admit . I 've even got behind with the interest this past year . I 'll go out west and begin over again . '' `` It 's a burning shame ! '' said Nan violently . John looked around in time to see two very red spots on her cheeks . `` You do n't care though , Nan . '' `` I do n't like to see anyone unjustly treated , '' declared Nan , `` and that is what you 've been . You 've never had half a chance . And after the way you 've slaved , too ! '' `` If Lee would wait a little I might do something yet , now that Aunt Alice is gone , '' said John bitterly . `` I 'm not afraid of work .
But he wo n't ; he means XXXXX take his spite out at last . ''
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