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quarrel. How I wish I could control my temper!”
    Louisa rubbed a dish dry with a rag, then picked up another. “Marmee, I was very rude to Father myself a few minutes ago,” she confessed. “I know he didn’t mean to shock Beth like that, but it was poorly done.” She braced herself for the scolding Marmee was sure to administer. Criticizing her father was something her mother never tolerated. To her surprise, Marmee dropped the heavy iron pot into the sink. It landed with a reverberating thud and water sloshed over the sink rim onto the floor.
    â€œHe knew exactly what he was doing,” she said. “He thought I would change my mind rather than see Beth cry.”
    â€œMarmee! He wouldn’t!” But Louisa was running the scene over in her head. He had deliberately dragged Marmee’sdeparture into the conversation. And Father rarely said anything by accident.
    Mopping up the spilled water, Marmee’s eyes filled with angry tears. “Now there, I’m doing it again. I must have more compassion. Your father will miss me terribly, I know. But he’s acting as though I have a choice.” She glanced up at Louisa, so forlorn that on impulse Louisa put her arms around Marmee and held her for several moments. It was the first time Marmee had let Louisa comfort her. And while Louisa was proud, it was unsettling to be Marmee’s support instead of the other way around.
    â€œMarmee, don’t worry,” she murmured. “You go earn money to keep us and I’ll take charge here.”
    After a few moments, Marmee regained her self-control. Sniffing, she said, “Louisa, thank you, dear. I knew I could count on you.” She kissed Louisa on the forehead and assumed her usual businesslike air. “Now, about our guest. First you must go to Mr. Emerson and tell him about George.”
    Louisa’s jaw dropped. “Mr. Emerson is part of the Railroad, too?” Ralph Waldo Emerson was a world-renowned philosopher and writer. He was Bronson’s closest friend and had often lent the family money when his largesse had meant the difference between starving and eating. He also possessed an excellent library from which Louisa was at liberty to borrow.
    â€œMr. Emerson supports the cause even if he does not participate in the actual work of the Railroad. But he must knowabout George—if only so that he can be careful about visiting the house. His work is too important for him to compromise himself. He has a reputation to maintain.”
    â€œNot like the Alcotts,” Louisa retorted.
    â€œNo,” Marmee agreed. “I am proud to say that principle will always trump social respectability in this house.”
    Louisa watched her mother’s face closely, unable to decide if she were serious or not. In a small voice, she said, “Marmee, I rather like that about us.”
    â€œI do, too.” Marmee lowered her voice. “Louy, while I’m away, you must know that whenever Mr. Emerson visits, he leaves money on the mantelpiece behind the clock. If he comes, you have to get the money before your father does. You’ll need it when I’m gone.”
    Louisa stared at her mother in consternation. “I knew Mr. Emerson lent us the funds to buy this house, but he gives us money, too?”
    â€œBut very tactfully. He doesn’t want to embarrass your father.” Marmee shrugged. “Now off with you, because after the Emersons’ you’ll need to find Henry.”
    â€œHenry?” Louisa’s heart beat a bit faster.
    â€œYes, he’ll be of the greatest help to you while I’m gone. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for the Railroad.”
    â€œOf course. We’ll have to work closely together, I’m sure,” Louisa said, trying to sound matter-of-fact. But she could see from Marmee’s indulgent smile that Marmee wasn’t fooled.
    â€œHenry is fifteen years your senior,” Marmee