at a distance, but there was not the usual untidy flock of hens about the place to make everything look in disarray. William helped me out of the wagon as carefully
ntered an old-fashioned country kitchen, the floor scrubbed into unevenness, and the doors well polished by the touch of hands. In a large chair facing the window there sat a
toward her, and bent hi
Hight?" he asked, with all the v
t," she answered coldly, but she gave an
hange for the better. A moment later she said that she was pleased to meet me, and I felt as if the worst were over. William must have felt some apprehension, while I was only ignorant, as we had come across the field
William replied by a series of cheerful nods. The menti
few for winter," which explained at once the generous freight we had brought in the back of
she said, but did not even approach a smile.
ght-backed chairs that stood against the kitchen wall. Then he lingered for a moment like a timid boy. I
t became anxious for both her guests. "Esther 'd like to see her;" and W