 Chapter 20. For a good girl. For a week Kate lay so day she did not care whether she lived or died. Then she slowly crept back to life realizing that whether she cared or not she must live. She was too young, too strong to quit because she was so sick. She had to go on. She had life to face for herself and their children. She wondered dolly about her people but as none of the neighbors who had taken care of her said anything concerning them. She realized that they had not been there. At first she was almost glad. They were fourth right people. They would have had something to say. They would have said it tersely and to the point. Adam third had wound up her affair speedily by selling the logs he had bought for her to the Hartley mills paying what she owed and depositing the remainder in the Hartley bank to her credit. But that remainder was less than one hundred dollars. That winter was a long dreadful nightmare to Kate. Had it not been for Aunt Ollie they would have been hungry some of the time. They were cold most of it. For weeks Kate thought of sending for a mother or going to her. Then as not even a line came from any of her family she realized that they resented her losing that much baits money so bitterly that they wished to have nothing to do with her. Often she sat for hours staring straight before her trying to straighten out the tangle she had made of her life. As if she had not suffered enough in the reality of living she now lived over in day and night dreams hour by hour her time with George Holt and gained nothing thereby. All winter Kate brooded barely managing to keep alive and the children in school. As spring opened she shook herself arose and went to work. It was not planned systematic effective baits work. Peace meal she did anything she saw needed the doing. The children helped to make garden and clean the yard. Then all of them went out to Aunt Ollie's and made a contract to plan to raise potatoes and vegetables on shares. They passed the neglected garden on the way and learning that the woman of the house was ill and the man rushed with getting his crops in. Kate stopped and offered attendant for enough cords of windfall wood to pay her a fair price this to be delivered in mid-summer. With food and fire assured Kate ripped up some of George's clothing washed, pressed, turned and made Adam warm clothes for school. She even achieved a dress for Polly by making a front and back from a pair of her father's trouser legs and setting inside pieces a yolk and sleaze from one of her old skirts. George is under clothing she cut down for both of the children then drew another check for taxes and second hand books. While she was in Hartley in the fall paying taxes she stopped at a dry goods store for thread and heard a customer asking for knit and mittens which were not in the stock. After he had gone she arranged with the merchant for a supply of yarn which he carried home and began to knit and to mittens such as had been called for. She used every minute of leisure during the day she worked hours into the night and soon small sums began coming her way. When she had the supply of teamsters heavy mittens she began on fancy colored ones for babies and children, sometimes crocheting, sometimes using needles. Soon she started both children on the rougher work with her. They were glad to help for they had a lively remembrance of one winter of cold and hunger with no Christmas. That there were many things she might have done that would have made more money with less exertion Kate never seemed to realize. She did the obvious thing. Her brain power seemed to be on the level with that of Adam and Polly. When the children began to carry home Christmas talk Kate opened her mouth to say the things that had been said to her as a child. Then tightly closed it. She began getting up earlier, sitting up later, knitting feverishly. Luckily the merchant could sell all she could furnish. As the time drew nearer she gathered from the talk of the children what was the deepest desire of their hearts. One day a heavy wind driving ice coated trees in the backyard broke quite a large limb from a cherry tree. Kate dragged it into the woodhouse to make firewood. She leaned it against the wall to wait until the ice melted and as it stood there in its silvery coat she thought how like a small tree the branch was shaped and how pretty it looked. After the children had gone to school the next day she shaped it with the hatchet and saw it and fastened it in the small box. This she carried to her bedroom and locked the door. She had not much idea what she was going to do but she kept thinking. Soon she found enough time to wrap every branch carefully with the red tissue paper or red knitting wool came in and to cover the box smoothly. Then she thought of the country Christmas tree she had seen decorated with popcorn and cranberries. She popped the corn at night and the following day made a trip up the ravine where she gathered all the bittersweet berries swamp holly and wild rose seed heads she could find. She strung the corn on fine cotton cord putting a rose seed pod between each grain. Then used the bittersweet berries to terminate the blunt ends of the branches and climb up the trunk. By the time she had finished this she was really interested. She achieved a gold star for the top from a boxlet and a piece of gilt paper poly I carried home from school. With yarn ends and mosquito netting she whipped up a few little mittens, stockings and bags. She cracked nuts from their fall storm melting a little sugar stirred in the kernels until they were covered with a sweet white glaze. Then she made some hard candy and some fancy cookies with a few sticks of striped candy cotton circles and dotted on the top. She polished red, yellow and green apples and set them under the tree. When she made her final trip to Hartley before Christmas the spirit of the day was in the air. She breathed so much of it that she paid a dollar and a half for a stout sled and ten cents for a dozen little red candles, five each for two oranges and fifteen each for two pretty little books. Then, after long hesitation, added a doll for Polly. She felt that she should not have done this and said so to herself, but knew she had it to do over she would do the same thing again. She shook her shoulders and took the first step toward regaining her old self-confidence. Pusher, big and strong as I am and Adam getting such a great boy we can make it, she said. Then she hurried to the hack and was driven home barely in time to rush her bundles into her room before school was out. She could scarcely wait until the children were in bed to open the parcels. The doll had to be dressed, but Kate was interested in Christmas by that time and so contemplated the spider-waisted image with real affection. She never had owned a doll herself. She let the knitting go that night and cut up in old ways to make white underclothing with touches of lace and a pretty dress. Then Kate went to her room, tied the doll in a safe place on the tree, put on the books and set the candles with pins. As she worked she kept biting her lips, but when it was all finished, she thought it was lovely. And so it was. As she set the sled in front of the tree, she said, There are little folks, I wonder what you will think of that. It's the best I can do. I've a nice chicken to roast, now if only. If only Mother or Nancy Ellen would come or ride a line or merely some one word by tilling Nepple. Suddenly Kate lay down on the bed, buried her face in the pillow while her shoulders jerked and shirk and dry sobs for a long time. At last she arose, went to the kitchen, bathed her face and banked the fires. I suppose it is the bait's way, she said, but it's a cold hard proposition. I know what's the matter with all of them. They are afraid to come near me or show the slightest friendliness for fear all asks them to help support us. They needn't worry. We can take care of ourselves. She set her tree on the living room table, arranged everything to the best advantage, laid a fire in the stove and went to sleep Christmassy, feeling more like herself than she had since the explosion. Christmas morning she had the house warm and the tree ready to light while the children dressed. She slipped away their everyday clothing and laid out their best instead. She could hear them talking as they dressed and knew the change of clothing and filled them with hope. She hastily lied to the tree and was sending the table as they entered the dining room. Merry Christmas, little people, she cried in a voice they had not heard in a long time. They both rushed to her and Kate's heart stood still as they each hugged her tight, kissed her and offered a tiny packet. From the size and feeling of these, she realized that they were giving her the candy they had received the day before at school. Surprises were coming thick and fast with Kate. That one shook her to her foundations. They loved candy. They had so little. They had nothing else to give. She held them in an instant so tightly they were surprised at her. Then she told them to lay the packages on the living room table until after breakfast. Paulie opened the door and screamed. Adam ran and then both of them stood silently before the brave little tree, flaming red, touched with white, its gold star shining. They looked at them and each other while Kate, watching at an angle across the dining room, distinctly heard Paulie saying in an odd tone, Adam, how did we better pray? Kate lifted herself full height and drew a deep breath. Well, I guess I managed a little Christmas after this, she said, and maybe a fourth of July and a birthday and a few other things. I didn't be such a coward. I believe I can make it. From that hour she began trying to think of something she could do that would bring returns more nearly commensurate with the time and strength she was spending. She felt tied to Walden because she owned the house and could rely on working on shares with Aunt Ollie for winter food, but there was nothing she could do there and take care of the children that would bring more than the most meager living. Still they were living, each year more comfortably. The children were growing bigger and stronger. Soon they could help us something if only she could think what. The time flew, each day a repetition of yesterday's dog and soul-tarring grind until some days Kate was close to despair. Each day the house grew shabbier, things wore out and could not be replaced. Poverty showed itself more plainly. So three more years of life and walled in paths sending their indelible mark on Kate. Time and again she almost broke the spell that bound her, but she never quite reached the place where her thought cleared, her heart regained its courage, her soul dared take wing and try another flight. When she thought of it, I don't so much mind the falling, said Kate to herself, but I do seem to select the hardest spots to light on. Kate sat in the back steps, the sun shone, her nearest neighbor was spading an onion bed. She knew that presently she would get out the rake and spade and begin another year's work, but at that minute she felt too hopeless to move. Adam came and sat in the step beside her. She looked at him and was surprised at his size and apparent strength. Someway he gave her hope. He was a good boy, he had never done a mean, sneaking thing that she knew of. He was natural, normal, mischievous, but he had not an underhanded inclination that she could discover. He would make a fine-looking big man quite as fine as any of the Batesmen. Even Adam, third, was no handsomer than the fourth Adam would be. Hope arose in her with the cool air of spring on her cheek and its wine in her nostrils. Then out of the clear sky she said it. Adam, how long are we going to stay in the beggar class? Adam jumped and turned surprise dyes toward her. Kate was forced to justify herself. Of course we give all a half we raise, she said. But anybody would do that. We work hard and we live little if any better than Jason's, who have the county trustee in three times of winter. I'm big and strong, you're almost a man. Why don't we do something? Why don't we have some decent clothes and money for our work and, Kate spoke at random, a horse in carriage. A horse in carriage, repeated Adam staring at her. Why not, said Kate casually. But how, cried the amazed boy. Why, you earn the money and buy it, said Kate impatiently. I'm about fed up on earning cabbage and potatoes and skirmishing for one. I prefer to have a dollar in my pocket and buy what we need. Can't you use your brains and help me figure out a way to earn some money? I meant to pretty soon now, but I thought I had to go to school a few years yet, he said. Of course you do, said Kate. I must earn the money, but can't you help me think how? Sure, said Adam, sitting straight and seeming thoughtful. But give me a little time. What would you—could you do? I taught before I was married, said Kate. But methods of teaching changed, so I'd have to have a normal term to qualify for even this school. I could put you in poly with Aunt Ollie this summer, but I wouldn't, not if we must freeze and starve together. Because of Grandma, asked the boy, Kate nodded. I borrowed money to go once, I could again, but I have been away from teaching so long, and I don't know what to do with you children. The thing I would like would be to find a piece of land somewhere with a house, any kind of one on it, and take it to rent. Land is about all I really know. Working for money would be of some interest. I am so dead tarred working for potatoes. Sometimes I see them flying around in the air at night. Do you know of any place you would like? Asked Adam. No, I don't, said Kate. But I'm going to begin asking, and I'm going to keep my eyes open. I heard yesterday that Dr. James intends to build a new house. This house is nothing but the lot is in the prettiest place in town. Let's sell it to him and take the money and buy us some new furniture and a cow and a team and wagon and a buggy, and go on a piece of land and live like other people. Seems to me I'll die if I have to work for potatoes any longer. I'm heart sick of them. Don't say a word to anybody, but oh, Adam, think. Think hard. Can't you just help me think? You are sure you want land, asked the boy. It is all I know, said Kate. How do you feel about it? I want horses and cows and pigs, lots of pigs and sheep, and lots of white hens, said Adam promptly. Get the spade and spade the onion bed until I think, said Kate. And that reminds me, we didn't divide the sets last fall. Somebody will have to go after them. I'll go, said Adam. But it's awful early. Oh, snow again. Let me go off to school Friday and stay overnight. I'd like to go and stay overnight with Ann Olly. Grandma can't say anything to me that I'll listen to. You keep Paulie and let me go alone. Sure I can. All right, said Kate. Spade the bed and let it warm a day. It will be good for it, but don't tell Paulie you're going or she'll want to go along. Until Friday night, Kate and Adam went around in such a daze, a deep thought that they stumbled and ran against each other. Then came back to their fair suddenly, looking at each other and smiling, understandingly. After one of these encounters, Kate said to the boy, you may not arrive at anything, Adam, but I certainly can't complain that you are not thinking. Adam grinned. I'm not so sure that I haven't got it. He said, tell me quick and let me think too, said Kate. But I can't tell you yet, said Adam. I have to find out something first. Friday evening, he wanted to put off his trip until Saturday morning, so Kate agreed. She was surprised when he bathed and put on his clean shirt and trousers, but said not a word. She had made some study of child psychology. She thought making the trip alone was of so much importance to Adam that he was dressing for the occasion. She foresaw extra washing, yet she said nothing to stop the lad. She waved goodbye to him, thinking how sturdy and good-looking he was as he ran out the front door. Kate was beginning to be worried when Adam had not returned toward dusk Sunday evening while Paulie was cross and fretful. Finally they saw him coming down the ravine bank, carrying his small bundle of sets. Kate followed a glow of relief. Paulie ran to meet him. Kate watched as they met and saw Adam take Paulie's hand. If only they looked as much like as some twins, do I be thankful, said Kate. Adam delivered the sets and ate only and Grandma were all right. That was an awful long walk and he was tired. Kate noticed his feet were dust-covered, but his clothes were so clean, she said to him. He didn't fish much. I didn't fish any, said Adam. Not like I always fish, he added. Have any time to think, asked Kate. You just bet I did, said the boy. I didn't waste a minute. Neither did I, said Kate. I know exactly what the prettiest lot in town could be sold for. Good, cried Adam, fine. Monday Kate wanted to get up early and stick the sets, but Adam insisted they ain't always said the sign would not be right until Wednesday. As they restrict Monday or Tuesday they would all grow on top. My goodness, I knew that, said Kate. I'm thinking so hard I'm losing what little sense I had. But anyway, mere thinking is doing me a world of good. I'm beginning to feel a kind of rising joy inside. I can't imagine anything else that makes it. Adam went to school laughing. Kate did the washing and ironing and worked in the garden getting beds ready. Tuesday she was at the same occupation. When about ten o'clock she dropped her spade and straightened, a flash of perfect amazement crossing her face. She stood immovable, say, for swaying forward in an attitude of tense listening. Ho, ho! Kate ran across the yard and as she turned the corner of the house she saw one horse spring wagon standing before the gate. While stiff, gaunt figure sat bowled up right on the seat holding the lines. Kate was at the wheel looking out with a face of delighted amazement. Why mother, she cried. Why mother! Go fetch a chair and help me down, said Mrs. Bates. This seat is getting tarnation hard. Kate ran after a chair and helped her mother to a light. Mrs. Bates promptly took the chair on the sidewalk. Just dropped the fill, she said. Lead him back and step on the halter as there was his feed. Kate followed instructions, her heart beating wildly. Several times she ventured a quick glance at her mother. How she had aged, how lying and thin she was, but oh how blessed good it was to see her. Mrs. Bates arose and they walked into the house where she looked keenly around while her sharp eyes seemed to appraise everything as she sat down and removed her bonnet. Go fetch me a drink, she said, and take the horse one and then I'll tell you why I came. I don't care why you came, said Kate, but oh mother thank God you are here. Now now don't get head up, cautioned Mrs. Bates. What are I said? Kate hurried to obey orders since she sank on the chair and looked at her mother. Mrs. Bates wiped her face and settled in the chair comfortably. There is no use to waste words, she said. Kate, you're the only one in the family that has any sense and sometimes you ain't got enough so as you can notice it without a magnifying glass. But even so, you're ahead of the rest of them. Kate, I'm sick and tired of the nephaluses and the whistlers and being bossed by the whole Enderm Bates tribe. Sick and tired of it, so I just came after you. Came after me? Repeated Kate, stupidly. Yes, parrot came after you, said Mrs. Bates. I told you you know great amounts since I'm speaking plain, ain't I? I don't see much here to hold you. I want you should throw a few traps whatever you are beholding to in the wagon. That's why I brought it. And come on home and take care of me the rest of my time. It won't be so long I won't interfere much nor be much bother. I've kept the place in order, but I'm about fast. I won't admit it to the rest of them, but I don't seem to mind telling you, Katey, that I'm almost winded. Will you come? Of course I will, so Kate, a tide of effulgent joy, surging up in her heart until almost choked her. Of course I will, Mother, but my children, won't they worry you? Never having had a child about, I suspect likely they may, said Mrs. Bates dryly. Why you little fool, I think likely it's the children I am pining for most, so I could have stood it much longer without you. Will you get ready and come with me today? Yes, if I can make it. There's very little here I care for. I can have the second hand man give me what he will for the rest, and I can get a good price for the lot today if I say so. Dr. James wants it to build on. I'll go and do the very best I can. When you don't want me any longer, Adam will be bigger, and we can look out for ourselves. Yes, I'll get ready at once if you want me to. Not much of a haggler are you, Katey, said Mrs. Bates. Why don't you ask what room's here to have, and what I'll pay you, and how much work you'll have to do, and if you take charge of the farm and how we share up? Kate laughed. Mother, she said, I've been going to school here with a master of life for a teacher, and I've learned so many things that really count, that I know now of none other things you mentioned are essential. You may keep the answers to all those questions. I don't care a cent about any of them, if you want me and want the children, all those things will settle themselves as we come to them. I know you still understand you, but we got well enough acquainted at Father's funeral, and I do now. Whatever you do will be fair, just, and right. I'll obey you, and I shall expect Adam and Paulie to. Well, for lay'n's sakes, Katey, said Mrs. Bates, life must have been well in it to you, good and proper. I never expected to see you as meek as Moses, that hope man wasn't big enough to beat you, was he? The ways in which he beat me, no Bates would understand. I'd eight years of them, and I don't understand them yet, but I'm so cooked with them that I shall be wild with joy if you truly mean for me to pack up and come home with you for a while. O Lordy, Katey, said Mrs. Bates, this whipped-out, take-anything-anyway style, it'd be coming to a big, fine, upstanding woman like you. Hold up your head, child, hold up your head, and say what you want and how you want it. Honestly, Mother, I don't want a thing on earth, but to go home with you and do as you say for the next ten years. Said Kate, stiffen up, Prime Mrs. Bates, stiffen up, don't be no broken ring, Katey. I don't want you depending on me. I came to see if you would let me lean on you the rest of the way. I weren't figuring that there was anything on the earth that could get you down, so as I was calculating, you'd be the very one to hold me up, since you seem to be feeling unaccountably weak in the knees. Let's see if we can brace them a little. Living with Paul so long must kind of given me a tendency to warn us in the deed. I've got one here I had executed two years ago, and I was coming with it along about now when a little bird told me to come today, so here I am. Take that, Katey. Mrs. Bates pulled a long sealed envelope from the front of her dress and tossed it in Kate's lap. Mother, what is this? Ask Kate in the hush voice. Well, if you'd rather use your ears than your eyes, it's all the same to me, said Mrs. Bates. The boys always had a mortal itching to get their fingers on the papers in the case. I can't say I don't like the difference. I've given you every chance to, and you wouldn't demand. You wouldn't specify. Well, I'll just specify myself. I'm dead tired of the neighbors taking care of me and all the children stopping every time they pass, each one ordering or insinuating according to their lights as to what I should do. I've always had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do myself. Over 40 years I sided with Paul to keep the peace, now I reckon I'm free to do as I like. That's my size you can tell me yours now. Kate shook her head. I have nothing to say. Just as well, so Mrs. Bates rehashing don't do any good. Come back and come today, but stiffen up. That paper you're holding is a warranty deed to the home 200 to you and your children after you. You take possession today. There's money in the bank to paper and paint and make any little changes you'd like, such as cutting doors on windows different places, floor in the kitchen new or the like. Take it and welcome. I got more and enough to last me all my days. All I ask of you is my room, my food, and your company. Take the farm and do what you pretty please with it. Mother, cried Kate, the rest of them. They tear me limb for limb. I don't dare take this. Oh, don't you, asked Mrs. Bates. Well, I still stand for quite a bit at Bates' corners. I say you will take that farm and run it as you like. It is mine, I give it to you. We all know it wasn't your fault you lost your money. There was a dose that took some of us a good long time to swallow. You are the only one out of your share. You settled things fine for the rest of them. They all know it and feel it. You'll never know what you did for me the way you put me through Pa's funeral. Now, if you'll just shut up and stick that deed somewhere it won't burn and come home and plant me as successfully as you did Pa. You'll have earned all you'll get and something coming. Now says the bite to eat and then let's be off. Kate slowly arose and handed back the deed. I'll be flying around so lively I might lose that, she said. You put it where you had it. Till we get to Hartley and then I'll get a place in the bank vault for it. I can't quite take this in just yet, but you know I'll do my best for you, mother. Ain't likely I'll be here else, said Mrs. Bates and tea, Katie. A cup of good strong hot tea what fits me up about proper right now. Kate went to the kitchen, began setting everything she had to eat on the table. As she worked, Paulie came flying in the door crying, Mother, who has come? So Kate stepped toward the living room to show the child to her grandmother, and as she advanced she saw a queer thing. Adam was sitting on his grandmother's lap, her arms were tied around him, her face buried in his crisp hair and he was patting her shoulder and telling her he would take care of her. While her voice said distinctly, Of course, you will birdie. Then the lad and the old woman laid their heads together and laughed almost hysterically. Well, if that isn't quick work, said Kate to herself. Then she presented Paulie who followed Adam's lead in hugging the stranger first and looking at her afterward. God bless all little children. Then Adam ran to tell the second hand man to come at one o'clock and Dr. James they might have the keys at three. They hurriedly, Kate said out what she wished to save. The children carried things to the wagon. She packed while they ran after their books and at three o'clock all then climbed into the spring wagon and started to Bates' corners. Kate was the last one in. As she climbed on the seat beside her mother and took the lines, she handed Mrs. Bates a small china mug to hold for her. It was decorated with a very fat robin and on a banner floating from its beak was inscribed for a good girl. End of Chapter 20. Chapter 21 of The Daughter of the Land by James Stratton Porter. This paper box recording is in the public domain. Chapter 21. Chapter 23. Boomerang. Kate's heavenly time. As they drove into Hartley, Mrs. Bates drew Paulie went to the front porch You are right about the thing being a safe place for this new trunks. I've had it round the house for two years and it's a fair nerve of a thing to do. I wish I'd have had sense to put it there and come after you the day I made it. But there's no use crying over spilt milk. Your flesh and with the grease fought at me. All the jails saved me now when you get it done being with this setting is fairly comfortable. Take time to run into Harding's and pick up some Sunday school clothes for the children. That will tally up with the rest of their relations and get yourself a cheap locker too though. Push you up a bit so you have time to decide what you really want. Kate passed on my trend. Dear Kate. Here are some clothes I'm going to go north a week after harvest. Her mother can't even spare them as well as not. Come on, let's run away and have one good time all by ourselves. It's my treat from start to finish. Kate took the money in her bane orage. She handed the packages to her mother. She climbed into the wagon and then again took the light. Heading the horse toward the old milly road. Her mother twisted around with her baby to the child in an orange and as precious candy. There she's been. Go on and spoil yourselves. Have her kitchen. She always started about the time. Her mother, she said, she never did that for us. Which would be cooler. When Jane sang, I never wanted to. We shall, your child only once in a while. A little too rough to skip childhood of everything. I haven't had a good time since I was a Mary. Ways are right that for the rest of my time I'm going to fly in the face of all freeage to prove it. They never will be. God lets me live a few years more as well as not. Face is around me. A little less is the note to pull. The most I've been you dressed is in glow to know for the calm since the time. God Almighty spares me long enough. I lay out to make sure that Adam and Paul is safe. Of course he shall go. He's out at your college. She finished the note late away. But even if she said that, she glanced so briefly at the right another. Ways to keep him behind your mother's back. He didn't cost anything, but we had a real picture of you she'll go. I believe we can do better next time. I want children to let you put these things over again. Well, I just bet you so go. Orange is to keep Alice fine. We don't need any cousins hanging around. They'll survive it without undermining their principles. And she can come out with me or yours either. Sure you go. Katie, we'll do all right. Let's make a beginning today. Then he's dressed so briefly down the road. He'll rest, then live a bigger life. In each day and Sunday especially, let's play rest aimlessly. Knocking for okay balls here and there. There's been no play till we've been mighty two boys in our house. No, but Katie began to think I had her for a change before I died. Solely because she did not speak so often to be a change. She died. She rolled her sleeve down me and her bone. You'll feel like yourself as soon as you get rested. I guess I've been speaking about it too much. She's not used in years. I've been so well online. I'm not being used to it. I'm very presentable. I gotta fuck up. One thing I can't do is to die. But I'm most proud enough to do it right now. I'll be glad when we get to home. Now do your best while I'm away. And I'm sure I can arrange a dance that she dared for school this winter. As I get back, the very first thing I shall do will be to go to Hartley and buy some stuff to begin on your clothes. She'll have this nice dress and failure, too. Begin a struggle to realize what was happening when they went to get you. The line slipped down before the glimpse of Polly's flesh. The first thing she knew, they caught a tear splashed on her hand. She gathered up the line, suggesting that the glimpse of Polly thought perfectly capable of selecting the clothing. She was to wear her dress. And Katie, as was the stage in the afternoon, may evening she help Polly and me while they drove to Dr. Gray's. They thought the children wanted to wait and see them take the train. But Adam said, how did you know the very last Kate turning? They had better have to leave that town for Robert and go back home. Kate, you told us times of fun about the house they were doling the snowball brush and doling caution and started back down the side streets that were buying out from the heart of town. Mostly that's winter when we were named. Kate was deft to them approvingly. This will be home for all the rest of my life. Pretty curious youngster, she said. How will we ever thank grandmother? How will we ever be good enough to pay her? Straight home. Both children turned to Robert. So with fun and core, they arose into them. She asked for an effect and began to pay it once in coin of the town. Rest in peace, Kate. Here, there's the Kate drawing. You surely know that those youngsters are going to be 18. Yeah, they are. You will choke grandmother. You reared them carefully. Mrs. Bates, nothing can or will happen to them. Mind your own business. Bates, William, she said. I ain't so fit. Well, I can't speak from now on according to your inclinations. In a daze, Kate climbed down the man to bring a chair to help her mother. What do you mean by that? The children were poised stress. They have eating Mrs. Bates. Nothing serious. She had both of them in her arms to have Bates. So she will marry in a year or two while Adam is all Bates. So Kate was very busy. As the rock of age is, there's strictly on the jaw. All of them were hungry. You'll have your good time. If I'm possible, Kate, I'll come after you. Mrs. Bates and Polly attempted supper. She'll do nothing of the kind to the barn. But they worked very hard for Kate. You wouldn't leave your mother alone. And you couldn't leave. When it lasted, children were bathed and then bed-kicked. If you feel that way about it, why do you leave me, Nancy, minutes before going to rest? Well, I'm not afraid of her for one thing. So Nancy Ellen with her head high. There's no word I know. She was very beautiful. She was quick enough to smile. Thank you for this, Mother. She said the best I can do is to make each day nearly a perfect expression of what I feel is hopeful. Mrs. Bates drew away her hand. Go to have a good time, Nancy Ellen. But don't go after that. I do wish you would believe that there's no thing of the matter of the little boy. I know she's good tongue. But I bet you ten dollars that we'll hustle you some to be any louder than I am. I know there is a thing of the matter with the little boy. Tomorrow we must get some onions in. I said that she wants you to look. Because if you've been roughing after her, I'd be safe from waitering. It sounds like I was going to leave that to you. I decided whether I'd come after you before this great evening. Wait until next year. You may also wait for that. If she does, I shall be very sorry. But I'm on my way to the country on an emergency call. What will the other children say? Nancy Ellen, I wish you wouldn't. You're about as well afraid of the maliant. Take a shot at yourself. If it will avoid a buzz, we might just say you have come to stay with me and run the fun for me and let them get you looked at the doctor. You're being here embossing things by the grief. Oh, right. Like the man that cut his dog's tail off. I gave him a tie. So when it hurts, it's so bad. If Nancy Ellen only would be reasonable, what I would seem truly hurt my wife is all the world to me. Sometimes it seems to me that the more we get hurt in this world, the decent that makes us for you. All the boys were hurt enough and sickly. But every man of them has been a bigger, better man since. Nancy Ellen, now of that on this trip. Oh, she and her children. Adam and Andrew and the older before our hand that's a whole trip old enough to touch the younger as you told them to. But you know they're a whole family of scarcely dear children in the world. One thing is funny. The other thing is he's married. He's talking now. You think she engineered that plan herself? The boys are all feeling no child will do unless she mothers it. I believe it to you, Charlie. Charlie won't let them guess it by degrees. It's all one to me. So bad. So cute. Tell me about Nancy Ellen and Robert. I'm so sorry. Cheer up. If Robert stands had in Hartley, he gets bigger and broader every year. His better looking man in the man has any business to be in. I hear the hardly ladies is given. Why don't you even encourage them to suck for the crops for fun? I think he is truly at the point in his heart is all in his work. No children. He would work unceasingly for most of them feeling in a way impolite between all means. She could sit probably in his stable yard. I doubt if she even had a mind of a one to him. He had a right to expect a good deal Nancy Ellen is discontented to face. Brain and good body. She's had a dirty face. Cheer up, Charlie. I made this my guess, though. He strikes me that she felt short of what he expected of her. He's avoiding money, but she hasn't spent it in the way he would. Keep people talking. I shouldn't say a thing. He strikes me as being just a little mind to good for her. But tending strictly to my business. Now you're looking here. That's exactly the typical state. Suppose you was a man in Robert's brains and educations. You let the little half professional her own way. And you made heaps of money. No child came into you to see all your words. You can state your life. I should be in something. You did in a community. Several things, in fact. Of one woman. This is interesting. How big would you be? What end is that for you? For example, vision and life work of a real man. Hey, I'm not giving such a man a thought. She looked for the window. A minute. Got a stretch to compress. Well, in my words, you will think that when you see their home and her clothes, I should have come that woman's booze and companion. She's seven times a week. I shouldn't cover her most aggravating weakness. She has a bad stress woman in the county. And the best looking in the space. And that's all there is to her. I'm free to say with her changes. I'm ashamed of what she has and hasn't made it for herself. I'd rather stand in your sleeves than hurt this many people. I've brought you no fulfillment. Then she'd know I'm here. Asking. I should give it up and give it to myself. And I told her all my way out this morning to my heart and heart. I have something to come out for Sunday dinner and they are coming. A tiny baby I could find. To deliver the invitation. Two are scarcely more trouble than one. Now, none of your meddling, Mrs. Bates. I got what I went after. And that was all I wanted. I told her and I told her to come see me there in the last few years. And I'd know she wanted to come. And vibe with you. But she just has herself. That would have let her change once her mind was made up. And I gave them so much to think about at home. It did give us a party. So we asked the widows to go to grass. Money burned up. I believe you would. I think the jolts hit any of you more than me. I believe you would. Now, I'd recommend that you just face the kids. If there is no use calling your car. Two miles over the cold. We should go into that. Tooth and nail. We'll find that him falling out of his high ideal. You went out to face life bravely enough. And that's so much your job to keep him up. So this is the kid himself. If God didn't make him a father, I would. I'd keep him busy on the job if I lived so that we could get the most out of life for us and the children. Nancy Ellen laughed as they were making their births. The next morning they were wakening cool. Michigan girl, the nice and slow lady I've seen in evergreen forests. I think we would like marrying the poor together to the top of our bit. Blue sky, past flashing, splashing streams in which they could almost see the spectacle. Ten years in my life. Daring over the beds of white sand. By late afternoon there, a real woman of view. I kept watching your DNA come out when I was proud and jay-ho of you. In the evening, there was a debatable question whether you had thrown away your time and your money. As you said, you've got something to show for that I wish to go to the rest of my children. Going out and fishing and boning. I want you to praise your back and stiffen your neck and make things funnier. Get a carpenter first. If the house is the way it will be most convenient to not dance. Then she let his hair and get one new thing she likes. And breathe in the tall breeze from partner. And I want you to get all of his clothes. A noticeable difference between us and the others when we come together here or elsewhere. She has her sister. But in a tell possibly a reason I am in. If you can straight up the place, I'm a Washington Nancy Allen Territory. And join the dancing class. I never was wet all over once before in my life. I'm just itching to try to get it. She cautiously skirted the school question in such a manner that she soon had Nancy Allen asked me if it could not be arranged. $500 bill. And if we had the telephone right now, we could call up folks in order. What we want without ever budging over our tracks. The lights from the window fell back here. And then they think you can think up. And what were my feelings in life if you can think of one or two things the rest of them haven't got yet. Can't you think of something that will lay the rest of them clear in the shade? I just wish I could. She addressed her hair going to bed. She appeared with what she was. Kate went with her mother, opened her bed, pulled up pants and breath bigger, drew the pink cup roll for her and blew out the light. Then she went past the bed on the way to the door. But there's only one head in this world like yours. So this of course must be you. Then she lied to the lamp, hunted a big sheet of wrapping paper, and sitting down beside the living room table. She turned slowly, then hung out her pants. Smiling it to her, she poured over it. When it left, she went to bed on the reverse side of the sheet. And as he gripped it tightly, he stared at her frankly. Yeah, it was a shame. Thank God for this. He said, perfectly. For years I've dreamed of you would have to come to the side of your face. But you cut me off squarely, so I dare not intrude on you. She approved all of them, but still showed disappointment. Why did I end up seeing you? I have nothing more to write than this. She said, I thought you could think up some films that would be new and different. Come away, he begged. Well, I'll do this. Come walk a little away with me and tell me who you are and how you are and all the things I think of every day in my life. And now I must know, it's a better way to keep the water. Now I shall show you. Poo, you couldn't. That's it, but keep still. Of course I'll come in. I don't want to do it, Katie. I was going to write it. What else can you think of? How good it is to reign you, specialist for you, Cikade. At rest, years ago, she said, she never forgave me for what I did, the way I did it. She said it would bring disaster if you were right. I thought it was not fair and honest. Lambs and like, you know the worst. Goodie, for you, that's it. I'm too busy and too fresh. Now brush up your hair. You're prettiest upon your new blue dress. And take the buggy. You wind me up. Go see how much of this time is worth to know. And if I can't spell it, I'll pay a thousand-year pet charity. All these changes have been made. And we're in running order. The painting has finished. The new furniture in place. I am in Comprehensively. And a strong young harness. Not far behind, guiding with her down. A narrow path to her side. She almost staggered, but she was so happy. Bill told the state side of the high hill, where the three average women before the day was over. She suggested to her mother that she use it for money for the sale of the world's home. To pay for what furniture she had bought. And then none of the others could feel that they were entitled to any star in it at any time. I learned to spell and had a good idea, so much so that you wouldn't save the mind of the children. I'd never forget you for a day. They all stopped her passing. Some of them had trouble with the other woman. Kate instantly answered and said, that's all about me. And this was seldom tried twice. Now go on. In two months of patience, we all denied about you. And in good taste. And this woman I wish you could see yourself in that dress with the name on your hair. Kate, you can't just hurt the value of the crops. I always sure remember about you. In the division of labor, Adam and the hired men took the barn and filled our patience with me. Mrs. Fates and Polly the house, I thought I couldn't learn, but of course I could. But ever it was proceed, I must allow myself to go. If a horse was sick, she went to the barn and docked with it. Kate leaned back and looked at the hay, and was going to get wet. She pitched in white waves. It's a minute and not time for the garden. She attended and then she turned to the page already and then began to talk. She told him if she was the most beautiful than she ever read them before, taking the greatest than she had lost her money, then had been given her mother's farm without the children it would never forget. How she'd now lived. They were old enough to appreciate what she'd been interested in and very keen about their new home life. And when she saw herself in the dream of a heart full of zest in her veins, always she had loved and wonderland. You're now free. Now she had it. She knew how to handle that, and she could make a pay as well as the debate plan. But she had manned space and all her life showed that her men might not be witcher and help women apply man methods. There was a strong strain of her father's spirit of driving in Kate's blood. Her mother was so tired of it that one day her kid got just so far. When she was born, the night was wonderful. Now, now, Katie, to make Katie realize what she was doing in Kate's slower case. All of them were well happy and worked apart. But they also played at proper time, standing, and being in places. Kate and her mother went with the children when they fished in the Meadowbrook, or hunted wildflowers in the woods for the joy of bed and the shame of the pair treating the soil satisfied. There were flowers in the garden now, flowers, vegetables, there was no work done on a Sunday. But I'm keeping you here until you will be brought with these mess, go up base corners, cry that last. Forgive me, Kate. I never did have any sense where you were concerned. Well, I have taught them how to appreciate this good thing as they're changing. Say it ten o'clock. The first Christmas this week, you can't make a Christmas tree for the small standing in the door yard that shouldn't be one of the set flowering shrubs. And you're fully up out in the woods. Free, he would be. Guided by the former year, and with the three dollars taken side in the spend, these women made a real Christmas tree with gifts in the morning, entered a room, Nancy Allen's side up her bed, and is in the children's sleep. Indeed, such was the laughter in the eye, good humor. She drew in her mouth, sad when she heard Adam say the half whispered a holly. It's gracious. Mine is pretty, but she cried. You know it's almost three o'clock last year. I don't care, at least. I was just thinking about Adam, wasn't it a plan to stay? I've had the perfect Christmas tree this week. Don't talk to me. Put out the light and be a little bit as soon as I can. My dress off. Real ornaments in an orange. I ruined it. Just talking of candy and nuts and a doll for each girl. And Nancy Allen largely. You can ruin half a dozen in a day. Now if you want to. Adam, third's at the two head of the table. Mr. Bates at the foot. Me! The tiniest tops of glass. Mr. Bates without their parents. I mean it. I saw Joe in the Bible for his ghost. Come up to you on the brand. The birth record. Looking as if he... No, you're lying. Carry you away about nine o'clock. Can you go on a six hours and come back having had on the level with the roast, charkeying, I'm sure and I mean go up before her break. Kate, Mrs. Bates. You have earned your right to a treat with time and it's never amazing because the dinner's chance to swear at a revelation. Tell me one thing. But it's big. Sleep in peace. Leave you to moon. The remainder of the night is your height. Straps and flowers. And he says none of them ever has seen a table like that. Still. Then when dinner was over, Kate sat before the fire and in her clear voice. As I remember, his ex-bride inflections she read from the big book destroyed the guy who starved a little child in the other woman. Then she told stories and the trade games until four o'clock. Four o'clock. Sprint and Adam ran the cake down like her in strong arms. She hid the kisser ecstatically. Then he came back and finished the day. Mrs. Bates could scarcely get frustrated to go to bed. It'll be nothing in the world you can't have. I just know he's gone on making money. He was crazy about you. Oh, Kate, this is too good. How did I ever think of coming here? Why didn't I think of it seven years ago? Kate, you must promise me you'll marry him before I let you go. Here I am. Close to the end of my string and then he tried to free himself. Likely I will not see another Christmas. I've lived the most of my life and never know there was a time like that on earth to be had. That wasn't expensive. Hopefully, couldn't these be of stature and this pain? It was in this world with burning in our heart that ensured. Twain there little shining faces in me. There's a coming on our days that would have smothered her impressive. The point of faith is that you and Nancy all in pain and despair. Mary and Hannah endured alone. Andrew in the high room and all she ever let you go to the team when I thought the one thing I couldn't do with the dying face on the begin. But today I ain't felt so scared of this morning. Seems to me it's got to be better that we get to count her all through the sight. I have. Then promise. Kate's to breath Nancy's still looking at her mother. Kate laid firm hands on the encircling arms. Height so mortal certain she said shortly. It's about time he stopped his words. I think there's nothing I can brought it out more that really counts in this world than he asked. I've got not only myself but the children in this team born. I've got only things I go hard so I'd better get that. Sticky hands are a little hot mouth on my face when I die. Now she went out and she whispered my name. Kate, I haven't so got that love in your mind. Oh, please do it again. It's more likely I won't get the chance no matter how moving I am. I have it. Kate, I'm going to leave you if I could pronounce some wordy. I haven't spelled as much while you live there. I wish each year you would have the same height like anybody else. No, it's not that. Well, grandma this party. What is it? Simpleton. There was nothing else. I'm sure we will, Sticky. Well, Sticky. Not so much of that time but this is some little 20 years later when I have the face of my children in my hands. I wish you go to bed and let me see a handkerchief of place on it. Yes. Never. Yeah. If you think the crazier you want to cry Nancy Ellen. I know you. You better promise me now and stick to it. Yes. So when you were answered, Kate turned off the light but she did not go to bed. And on the other side of the window and she was still sitting there on a dawn to craft across the lake and began to light in the room. Then she stretched herself turning out the line to rouse and looked at her. She sat beside the bed and stroked the the tired head and felt easy waiting to hold her. She cried in wonder. Miss Ellen was asleep. At least you can't complain that I didn't think. Then she went back to the fireplace and sitting in the red glow. She found out comfort in what she said or the way she said it. Long after a misson she sat gazing into the slowly wrangles from mind busy with what she had not told. As they returned to their room from breakfast, Kate laid out her hat and gloves and began to get ready. She kept her appointment over. The Ann-Sie-Ellen could endure the suspense no longer. Upflame the wing to the spirit. She said carrying her on and on. Each day kicking her life and thinking to not see how it could be done. With all the force she could gather each day this space struggled to keep such a chance away from them. And neither she felt badly thrilled for what to try to help Kate Tursley. Education for the remainder of the family what they might expect in an hour. But when it began coming in all to help bringing new-rated Ann-Sie-Ellen unusually kind, Kate was handling her guards before his wrinkle. Her eyes narrowed in concentration. After her latest callers that they wanted what the name of it she said. The others that neither my children nor I had no way until your mental cause the breast out of my body. And that takes me one happy with my needs. Unlimit they come because they love you. They try to tell you so with the little things it brings. What people would think they were neglected if they ever could not come to see them when they were not so well. I had a will. Struggle with that question long ago. Well, crime is since I've had nearly eight years of life. I love that. It's no good for my soul. No good for my soul. The circle to leave it was a great to know. It was a great to know. Well, I'm good. It would be time for them to begin being caught up now of big gangling Henry Peters since you would change yourself about things like Christmas to be very suitable in a fine house parlor. She can be ridiculous with a happiness something they'd like to ask for. I think he'd turn this down quick and hard. Just just try him. cried Nancy Allen. This is bait for one thing. You won't be here or can I stop it. And for another, since it involves my becoming behind the genre. I mean, she said I think it's more than likely. Well, that's that way. I suppose I've got the button up my left hand, but it's about more than I've chosen because if I married him, who's my grip of lambs smashed up against Adam and bait to my fellow mother him. And influence to their sig-kates somewhere in the Middle East. I thought we had either for the time farther went that each of you would be accountable most to God. Nancy Allen, can't you remotely concede for such a thing? It's one human being in the world who is kind of of talking about God. It's just I share. It is somewhere in peace to the death of his soul that no man should be you did right. When I see you with the way you were, then you have chance of a chance of him. But you seem to remember this only because there was a kind of job of holding your nose to the grindstone. Mrs. Latter stubby the begin with go on and grind at her head of the face if you like. The world was at blue time. Alright, sig-kate. Then I'll tell you definitely that I had no particular desire to marry him to the door yard. Unlike my life immensely as I'm living it. She stepped outside. I'm free independent. My children are not touching her. As the gate she grows in their fellow men. Because no desire to leave my job running ten driven from theirs in a white wall of fluid. The start of lazy and shipless life turned for no more strange tragedy. I don't matter much with the vibe, but I have a profound belief in it. She's put her hands at each side as if to balance herself. The face of the book in the world and it says by the sweat of his brow shall man earn and spread. Or she said so we indistinctly to that fact. I'm going down. I can't fight her. I shall just go on I confess myself. I refuse to begin for sparring at my time of life. I got myself a fire by throwing them out of it. You big It was my chance I took it. Ceylon How are you going to tell them? Look out. You're in danger of how far when you call me. Yes. One Kate. Far away Ceylon for not touching her. Tears in her eyes and voice. No. She says I think what you've gone through. You were an instrument in the hands of God to write your great wrong. No. I shall never tell us all about what I've gone through. She demanded in the cold even voice. Personally I think you're not qualified to mention that subject. You better let it rest. Whatever it has been it's been in such a way that I've come out of it knowing when I have my share and when I'm well off close your eyes and seek to breathe. If John Jardine wants to marry me I'm going to sell all he has and come and work on the farm with me. And consider marrying him. To leave my life and what I love to go to Chicago with him I do not feel cold on or inclined to do. No. I'll not marry him and in about 15 minutes I'll tell him so. And go on making a mess of your life such as you did for years. Send Nancy Allen drawing her red eyes. At least it was my life. Said Kate. I didn't mess things for anyone else. Except your children. Said Nancy Allen. As you will. Said Kate Rising. I'll not marry John Jardine. And the sooner I tell him so and get it over the better. Goodbye. I'll be back in half an hour. Kate walks slowly to the observation platform where she had been the previous evening with John Jardine and laying on the railing. She stood looking out over the water and down the steep declivity thinking how best she could word what she had to say. She was so absorbed she did not hear steps behind her or a turn until a sharp voice said You need a way any longer. He's not coming. Kate turned and glanced at the speaker and then around to make sure she was the person being addressed. She could see no one else. The woman was small light haired her face enameled dressed beyond all reason and in a manner wholly out of place for mourning in the summer resort in Michigan. If you are speaking to me will you kindly tell me to whom you refer and give me the message you bring. I refer to Mr. John Jardine Mrs. Holt said the little woman and when Kate saw that she was shaking and gripping her hands for self-control. Very well said Kate it will save me an unpleasant task if he doesn't come. Thank you. And she turned back to the water. You certainly didn't find anything unpleasant about being with him half last night. Said the little woman. Kate turned again and looked narrowly at the speaker. Then she laughed heartily. Well done Jenny. She cried. Why you are such a fashionable lady such a dolly varda and I never saw who you were. How do you do? Won't you sit down and have a chat? It's just dawning on me that very possibly from your dress a man I should have called you Mrs. Jardine. Didn't he tell you? cried Jenny. He did not. Said Kate. Your name's not mentioned. He said no word about being married. We have been married since a few weeks after Mrs. Jardine died. I taught him the things you turn him down for not knowing. I have studied him waited on him and born his children and this is my reward. What are you going to do? Go back to the hotel when I finish with this view. Said Kate. I find it almost as attractive by day as it was by night. Praise him. cried Mrs. Jardine. Choose your words carefully. Said Kate. I was here first. Since you have delivered your message suppose you go and leave me to my view. Not till I get ready said Mrs. Jardine. Perhaps it will help you to know that I was not 20 feet from you at any time last night and that I stood where I could have touched you while my husband made love to you for hours. So said Kate. I'm not at all surprised. That's exactly what I should have expected of you. But doesn't it clarify the situation in the at least for me when I tell you that Mr. Jardine gave me no famous hint that he was married. If you heard all with said you surely remember that you were not mentioned. Mrs. Jardine sat down suddenly and gripped her little hands. Kate studied her intently. She wondered what she would look like when her hair was being washed. This thought she smiled broadly. That made the other woman frantic. You can well laugh at me. She said, I made the banner fool the ages of myself when I schemed to marry him. I knew he loved you. He told me so. He told me just as he told you last night that he never had loved any other woman. He never would. I thought he didn't know himself as I knew him. He was so grand to his mother. I thought if I taught him and helped him back to self-respect and gave him children, he must and would love me. Well, I was mistaken. He does not and never will. Every day he thinks of you. Not at night, but he speaks your name. He thinks all things can be dealt with money. So do you, Jenny, interrupt Kate. Well, I'll show you that this can't. Didn't you hear him exalting because you are now free? cried Jenny. He thinks he will give me a home. The children of big income then secure his freedom and marry you. Oh, don't talk such rot! cried Kate. John Jardine thinks no such thing. He wouldn't insult me by thinking I thought such a thing. That thought belongs right spraying from right in your little cramped, blonde brain, Jenny. You wouldn't? Are you sure you wouldn't? cried Jenny, leaning forward with hands clutched closely. I should say not, said Kate. The last thing on earth I want is some other woman's husband. Now look here, Jenny. I'll tell you the plain truth. I thought last night that John Jardine was as free as I was, or I shouldn't have been here with him. I thought he was asking me again to marry him, and I was not asleep last night, thinking it over. I came here to tell him that I would not. Does that satisfy you? Satisfy, cried Jenny. I hope no other woman lives in the kind of hell I do. It's always the way, said Kate, when people will insist on getting out of their class. You would have gotten ten times more from life as the wife of a village merchant, or a farmer than you have as the wife of a rich man. Since you're married to him and there are children, there's nothing for you to do, but finish your job as best you can. Rest your head easy about me. I wouldn't touch John Jardine, marry to you. I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole divorced from you. Get that clear in your head and do. Please, go. Kate turned again to the water, but when she was sure Jenny was far away, she sat down suddenly and asked to the lake, Well, wouldn't that freeze you? End of Chapter 23 Chapter 22 Of A Daughter of the Land by Jean Stratton Porter This the prevox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 22 Somewhat of Polly If the spirit in Mrs. Bates hovered among the bloom-whitened apple trees as her mortal remains were carried past the lilacs in cabbage rose bushes, through a rain of drifting petals, she must have been convinced that time had wrought one great change in the hearts of her children. They had all learned to weep while, if the tears they shed were a criterion of their feelings for her, surely her soul must have been satisfied. They laid her away with simple ceremony, and then all of them went to their homes, except Nancy Ellen and Robert, who stopped in passing to learn if there was anything they could do for Kate. She was grieving, too, deeply, for many words. None of them would ever understand the deep bond of sympathy and companionship that had grown to exist between her and her mother. She stopped at the front porch and sat down, feeling unable to enter the house with Nancy Ellen, who was deeply concerned over the lack of taste, displayed in Agatha's new spring hat. When Kate could endure it no longer, she interrupted. Why didn't all of them come? What for? asked Nancy Ellen. They had a right to know what mother had done, said Kate in a low voice. But what was the use? asked Nancy Ellen. Adam had been managing the administrator's business for mother and paying her taxes with his. Of course, when she made a deed to you and had it recorded, they told him, All of us knew it for two years before she went after you. And the new furniture was bought with your money, so it's yours. What was there to have a meeting about? Mother didn't understand that you children knew, said Kate. Sometimes I thought there were a lot of things mother didn't understand, said Nancy Ellen. And sometimes I thought she understood so much more than any of the rest of us that all of us would have had a big surprise if we could have seen her brain. Yes, I believe we would, said Kate. Do you mind telling me how the boys and girls feel about this? Nancy Ellen laughed shortly. Well, the boys feel that you've negotiated such a fine settlement of father's affairs for them that they owe this to you. The girls were pretty sore at first and some of them are nursing their wrath yet. But there wasn't a thing on earth they could do. All of them were perfectly willing that you should have something after the fire. Of course, most of them thought mother went too far. I think so myself, said Kate. But she never came near me or wrote me or sent me even one word until the day she came after me. I had nothing to do with it. All of us know that, Kate, said Nancy Ellen. You needn't worry, we're all used to it, and we're all at the place where we have nothing to say. To escape grieving for her mother, Kate worked that summer as never before. Adam was growing big enough and strong enough to be a real help. He was interested in all they did, always after the reason and trying to think of a better way. Kate secured the best agricultural paper form and they read it nights together. They kept an account book and set down all they spent and balanced against it all they earned, putting the difference which was often more than they hoped for, in the bank. So the years ran. As the children grew older, Paulie discovered that the nicest boy in school lived across the road half a mile north of them. While Adam, after a real struggle in his loyal twin soul, aided by the fact that Henry Peters usually had divided his apples with Paulie before Adam reached her, discovered that Millie York across the road half a mile south liked his apples best and was as nice a girl as Paulie ever dared be. In a dazed way, Kate learned these things from their after school and Sunday talk, saw that they nearly reached her shoulder and realized that they were 16. So quickly the time goes when people are busy, happy and working together, at least Kate and Adam were happy for they were always working together. By task at agreement they left Paulie the easy housework and went themselves to the fields to wrestle with the rugged work of a farm. They thought they were shielding Paulie, teaching her a woman's real work and being kind to her. Paulie thought they were together because they liked to be, doing the farm work because it suited them better. While she had known from Baby who lived for some reason, her mother did not care for her as she did for Adam. She thought at first it was because Adam was a boy. Later when she noticed her mother watching her every time she started to speak and interrupting with the never-failing caution, now be careful, think before you speak, are you sure? She wondered why this should happen to her always, to Adam never. She asked Adam about it but Adam did not know. Never occurred to Paulie to ask her mother while Kate was so uneasy and never occurred to her that the child would notice or what she would think. The first time Paulie deviated slightly from the truth she and Kate had a very terrible time. Kate felt fully justified. The child astonished and abused. Paulie arrived at the solution of her problem slowly. As she grew older she saw that her mother who always was charitable to everyone else was repelled by her grandmother while she loved Ian Ollie. Older still Paulie realized that she was a reproduction of her grandmother. She had only to look at her to see this. Her mother did not like her grandmother. Maybe mother did not like her as well as Adam because she resembled her grandmother. By the time she was sixteen Paulie had arrived at a solution that satisfied her as to why her mother liked Adam better and always left her alone in the house the endless cooking, dishwashing, sweeping, dusting, washing, and ironing while she had potatoes, pitch-tay, or sheared sheep. Paulie thought a nicer way would have been to do the house work together and then go to the fields together but she was a good soul so she worked alone and brooded in silence and watched up the road for a glimpse of Henry Peters who liked to hear her talk and to whom it mattered not a mite that her hair was lustulous, her eyes steel-colored and her nose like that of a woman he never had seen. In her way Paulie admired her mother, loved her, and worked until she was almost dropping for Kate's scant and frequent words of praise. So Paulie had to be content in the kitchen. One day having finished her work two hours before dinner time she sauntered to the front gate. How strange that Henry Peters should be at the end of the field joining their land. When he waved she waved back. When he climbed the fence she opened the gate. They met halfway under the bloomful shade of a red haw. Henry wondered who two men he had seen leaving the whole gate were and what they wanted but he was too polite to ask. He merely hoped they did not annoy her. Oh no! They were only some men to see mother about some business but it was most kind of him to let her know he was looking out for her. She got so lonely. Mother never would let her go to the field with her. Of course not! The field was no place for such a pretty girl. There was enough work in the house for her. His sister should not work in the field if he had a sister and Paulie should not work there if she belonged to him. No, sirree. Paulie looked at Henry with shining young girl eyes and when he said she was pretty her blue-gray eyes softened her cheeks pinked up. The sun put light in her hair and nature had failed too and lo and behold the marvel was wrought. Plain little Paulie became a thing of beauty. She knew it instantly because she saw herself in Henry Peter's eyes. And Henry was so amazed when this wonderful transformation took place in little Paulie right there under the red hot tree that his own eyes grew big and tender. His cheeks flooded with red blood. His heart shook him and he drew to full height and became possessed of an overwhelming desire to dance before Paulie and sing to her. He grew so splendid Paulie caught her breath and then she smiled on him a very wandering smile over the great discovery. And Henry grew so bewildered he forgot either to dance or sing as a preliminary. He merely, just me and me, breached out and gathered Paulie in his arms and held her against him and stared down at her wonderful beauty opening right out under his eyes. Little beautiful, said Henry Peter's in a hush choking voice. Little beautiful! Paulie looked up at him. She was every bit as beautiful as he thought her while he was so beautiful to Paulie that she gasped for breath. How did he happen to look as he did right under the red hot and broad daylight? He had been hers, of course, ever since. Shy and fearful she had first entered Bates Corner School and found courage in his broad encouraging smile. Now she smiled on him the smile possession that was in her heart. Henry instantly knew she always had belonged to him so he grasped her closer and bent his head. When Henry went back to the plow and Paulie ran down the road with the joy of the world surging in her heart and brain she knew that she was going to have to account to her tired, busy mother for being half an hour late with dinner. And he knew he was going to have to explain to an equally tired father why he was for furrow short of where he should be. He came to book first and told the truth. He had seen some men go to Holtz's. Paulie was his little chum and she was always alone all summer so he just walked that way to be sure she was safe. His father looked at him quizzically. So that's the way the wind blows, he said. Well, I don't know where you can find a nice little girl or a better worker. I'd always hope you'd take to Millie, York, but Paulie is better. She can work three a Millie down. Awful plane, though. The sacrilege came while Henry's lips were tingling with their first kiss and his heart was drunken with the red wine of innocent young love. Why, Dad, you're crazy, he cried. There isn't another girl in the whole world as pretty and sweet as Paulie. Millie, York? She can't hold a candle to Paulie. Besides, she's been at him as long as Paulie has been mine. God bless my soul, cried Mr. Peters. How these youngsters do run away with us. Now are you the most beautiful young man at Bates Corner, Henry? I'm beautiful enough that Paulie will put her arms around my neck and kiss me anyway, blurted Henry. So you and Ma can get ready for a wedding as soon as Paulie says the word. I'm ready right now. So am I, said Mr. Peters. And for the way Ma complains about the work on you boys-maker, I don't think she will object to a little help. Paulie is a good, steady worker. Paulie ran, but she simply could not light the fire, set the table, and get things cooked on time while everything she touched seemed to spill or slip. She could not think what or how to do as usual for the very good reason that Henry Peters was a prince and a knight and a lover and a sweetheart and her man. She had just agreed to all this with her soul less than an hour ago under the Red Hall. No wonder she was late, no wonder she spilled and smeared and read a face she blundered and bungled for the first time in her life. Then in came Kate. She must lose no time, the core must be finished before it rain. She must hurry, and for the first time dinner was late while Paulie was messing like a perfect little fool. Kate stepped in and began to write things with practiced hand. Disaster came when she saw Paulie at the well take an instant from bringing in the water to wave in the direction of the Peters farm. As she entered the door, Kate swept her with a glance. Have to upset the bull as usual, she said scathingly, just as I think you're going to make something of yourself and be of some use, you begin mooning in the direction of that big gangling Hank Peters. Don't you ever let me see you do it again. You are too young to start that kind of foolishness. I bet a cow he was hanging around here made you late with dinner. He was naughty, didn't either, cried Paulie, then stopped in dismay, her cheeks burning. She gulped and went on bravely. That is, he wasn't here, and he didn't make me late any more than I kept him from his work. He always watches when there are tramps and peddlers on the road because he knows I'm alone. I knew you would be watching too many who stopped to see you, so I just went as far as the haul tree to tell him I was all right and we got to talking. If only Kate had been looking at Paulie then, but she was putting the apple butter and cream on the table. As she did so, she thought possibly it was a good idea to have Henry Peters seeing that tramps and not Frighton Paulie. So she missed dawn on the face of her child and then said what might have been. She said, Well, I must say that is neighborly of him, but don't you dare let him get any foolish notions in his head. I think Aunt Nancy Allen will let you stay at her house after this and go to the Hartley High School in winter, so you can come out that much better prepared to teach than I ever was. I had a surprise plan for you tonight, but now I don't know whether you deserve it or not. I'll have to think. Kate did not think at all after the manner of parents. She said that, but her head was full of something she thought vastly more important just then. Of course Paulie should have her share in it. Left alone to wash the dishes and cook supper while a mother went to town. It was Paulie who did the thinking. She thought entirely too much, thought bitterly, thought disappointingly, and finally thought resentfully, and then alas Paulie thought deceitfully. Her mother had said, Never let me see you. Very well. She would be extremely careful that she was not seen. But before she slept she rather thought she would find a way to let Henry know how she was being abused and about that plan to send her away all the long winter to school. She rather thought Henry would have something to say about how his little beautiful was being treated. Here Paulie looked long and searchingly in the mirror to see if by any chance Henry was mistaken and she discovered that he was. She stared in amazement the pink cheek shining-eyed girl she saw mirrored. She pulled a hair looser around the temples and drew her lips over her teeth. Surely Henry was mistaken. Little beautiful was too moderate. She would see that he said perfectly lovely the next time. And he did. End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Of A Daughter of the Land by Jean Stratton Porter This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 23 Kate's Heavenly Time One evening Kate and Paulie went to the front porch to rest until bedtime and found the shining big new trunks sitting there with Kate's initials on the end her name on the check tag and a key in the lock. They unbuckled the straps turned the key and lifted the lid. That trunk contained under clothing, hoes, shoes, two hats, a traveling dress with half a dozen extra waist and an afternoon and an evening dress all selected with his special reference to Kate's coloring and made one size larger than Nancy Ellenmore which fitted Kate perfectly. There were gloves a parasol and a note which read Dear Kate here are some clothes I'm going to go north a week after harvest you can be spared them as well as not come on let's run away and have one good time all by ourselves it is my treat from start to finish the children can manage to farm perfectly well any one of her cousins will stay with Paulie if she'll be lonely cut loose and come on Kate I'm going of course Robert couldn't be pried away from his precious patience we will have to go alone but we do not care we like it shall we start about the tenth on the night train which will be cooler Nancy Ellen we shall said Kate emphatically when she finished a note I haven't cut loose and had a good time since I was married not for eighteen years if the children are not big enough to take care of themselves they never will be I can go as well as not she handed the note to Paulie while she shook out dresses and gloated over the contents of the trunk of course you shall go shall and Paulie as she finished the note but even as she said it she glanced obliquely up the road and waved a hand behind your mother's back sure you shall go cried Adam when he finished the note and sat beside the trunk seeing all the pretty things over again you just bet you shall go Paulie and I can keep house fine we don't need any cousins hanging around I'll help Paulie with the work and then we'll lock the house and she can come out with me sure you go we'll do all right then he glanced obliquely down the road where a slim little figure and white moved down to the cherry trees of the York front yard aimlessly knocking croquet balls here and there it was two weeks until time to go but Kate began taking care of herself at once solely because she did not want Nancy Ellen to be ashamed of her she rolled her sleeves down to meet her gloves and used a sun bonnet instead of a sunshine she washed and brushed her hair with care she had not used in years by the time the 10th of July came she was in very presentable condition while the contents of the trunk did the remainder as she was getting ready to go she said to Paulie now do your best while I'm away and I'm sure I can arrange with Nancy Ellen about school this winter when I get back the very first thing I shall do will be to go to Hartley and buy some stuff to begin on your clothes you shall have as nice dresses as the other girls too Nancy Ellen will know exactly what to get you but she never caught a glimpse of Paulie's flushed dissatisfied face of the tightening of her lips that would have suggested to her had she seen them that Miss Paulie felt perfectly capable of selecting the clothing she was to wear herself Adam took its mother's trunk to the station the afternoon in the evening she held Paulie on her knee while they drove to Dr. Grace Kate thought the children would want to wait and see them take the train but Adam said that would make them very late getting home they had better leave that to Uncle Robert and go back soon so very soon they were duly pissed and unduly cautioned then started back down the side street that would not even take them through the heart of the town Kate looked after them approvingly pretty good youngsters she said I told them to go and get some ice cream but you see they are saving the money and heading straight home she turned to Robert can anything happen to them she asked in evident anxiety rest in peace Kate laughed at the doctor you surely know that those youngsters are going to be 18 in a few weeks you've reared them carefully nothing can or will happen to them that would not happen right under your nose if you were at home they will go from now on according to their inclinations Kate looked at him sharply what do you mean by that she demanded he laughed nothing serious he said Paulie is half-baited so she will marry in a year or two while Adam is all-baited so he will remain steady as the rock of ages and strictly on the job go have your good time and if I possibly can I'll come after you you'll do nothing of the kind Sonia's yelling with finality you wouldn't leave your patience and you couldn't leave dear Mrs. Suffy if you feel that way about it why do you leave me he asked to show the little fool I'm not afraid of her for one thing Sonia's yelling with her head high she was very beautiful in her smart traveling dress while her eyes flashed as she spoke the doctor looked at her approvingly good he cried I like a plucky woman go to have a good time Nancy Allen but don't go for that I do wish you would believe that there isn't a thing the matter with the little woman she's I can go even farther than that Sonia's yelling dryly I know there isn't a thing matter with the little woman except that she wants you to look as if you were running after her I'd be safe in wagering a thousand dollars that when she hears I'm gone she will sin for you before tomorrow evening you may also wager this he said if she does I shall be very sorry but I'm on my way to the country on an emergency call Nancy Allen I wish you weren't wouldn't go north or won't see what every other living soul in heartly sees she asked currently then she stepped inside to put on her hat and gloves Kate looked at the doctor and this may oh Robert she said I give you my word of honor Kate he said if Nancy Allen only would be reasonable the woman would see shortly that my wife is all the world to me I never have been and never shall be untrue to her does that satisfy you of course said Kate I'll do all of my power to talk Nancy Allen out of that on this trip over she only had children to occupy her time that's the whole trouble on the nutshell said the doctor but you know there isn't a scarcity of children in the world never a day passes by a sea half a dozen who need me sorely but with Nancy Allen no child will do unless she mothers it and unfortunately none comes to her too bad said Kate I'm so sorry cheer up if you can said the doctor an hour later they were speeding north Nancy Allen moody and distraught Kate is frankly delighted as in each child the spring work was over the crops were fine Adam would surely have the premium weight to take to the county fair in September he would work unceasingly for his chance with corn he and Polly would be all right she could see Polly wading in the stable yard while Adam unharnessed and turned out the horse she kept watching Nancy Allen's discontented face at last she said cheer up child there isn't a word of truth in it I know it said Nancy Allen then why take the way of all the world to start and keep people talking asked Kate I'm not doing a thing on earth but tending strictly to my own business said Nancy Allen that's exactly the troubles said Kate you're not you let the little half wrap things all her own way if it were my man and I loved him as you do Robert Gray you can stake your life I should be doing something several things in fact this is interesting said Nancy Allen for example Kate had not given such a matter of thought she looked from the window a minute her lips friendly compressed then she spoke slowly well for one thing I should have become that woman's bosom companion about seven times a week I shouldn't cover our most aggravating weakness all unintentionally but for the man in the case at the same time keeping myself strictly myself I should keep steadily on doing and being what he first fell in love with lastly since 18 years have brought you no fulfillment to the desire of your heart I should give it up and content myself and delight him by taking into my heart and home a couple of most attractive tiny babies I could find two are scarcely more trouble than one you can have all the help you will accept the children would never know the difference if you took them as babies and soon you wouldn't either while Robert would be delighted if I were you I'd give myself something to work for besides myself and I'd give him so much to think about at home that charming young grass widows could go to grass I believe you would said Nancy Allen wonderingly I believe you would you're mighty right I would to Kate if I were married to a man like Robert Gray I'd fight tooth and nail before I let him fall below his high ideals it's as much your job to keep him up as it is his to keep himself if God didn't make him a father I would and I'd keep him busy on the job if I had to adopt 16 Nancy Allen laughed as they went to their births the next morning they awakened in cool Michigan country and went speeding north among evergreen forests and clear lakes and mirroring the pointed forest tops and blue sky past lashing splashing streams in which they could almost see the speckled trout darting over the beds of white sand by late afternoon they have reached their destination were in their rooms bathed dressed and ready for the dinner hour in the evening they went walking coming back to the hotel tired and happy after several days they began talking to people making friends going out and fishing and boating parties in the morning driving or boating in the afternoon and attending concerts or dances at night Kate did not dance but she loved to see Nancy Allen when she had a sufficiently tall graceful partner while as she watched the young people and thought how innocent and happy they seemed she asked her sister if they could not possibly arrange for Adam and Polly to go to Hartley at night or two a week that winter and join the dancing class Nancy Allen was frankly delighted so Kate cautiously skirted the school a question in such a manner that she soon had Nancy Allen asking if it could not be arranged when that was decided Nancy Allen went to dance while Kate stood on the veranda watching her the lights from the window fell strongly on Kate she was wearing her evening dresses smoky gray soft fabric over shining silk with knots of dull blue velvet and gold lace here and there she had dressed her hair carefully she appeared what she was a splendid specimen of healthy vigorous clean womanhood part of me Mrs. Holt said a voice at her elbow but there's only one head in this world like yours so this of course must be you Kate's heart leaped and stood still she turned slowly then held out her hand smiling at John Jardine but saying not a word he took the hand and as he gripped it tightly he studied her frankly thank God for this he said privately for years I've dreamed of you and hunger for the side of your face but you cut me off squarely so I dare not intrude on you only the Lord knows how delighted I am to see you here looking like this Kate smiled again come away he begged come out of this come walk a little way with me and tell me who you are and how you are and all the things I think of every day in my life and now I must know it's brigand edge come or I shall carry you poo you couldn't laughed Kate of course I'll come and I don't own a secret ask anything you want to know how good it is to see you your mother at rest years ago he said she never forgave me for what I did and the way I did it she said it would bring disaster and she was right I thought it was not fair and honest not to let you know the worst I thought I was too old and too busy and too flourishing to repair neglected years at that date but believe me Kate you wake me up try the hardest one you know and if I can't spell it I'll pay a thousand year pet charity Kate laughed spontaneously are you an earnest she asked I'm incomprehensibly immeasurably an earnest he said guiding her down a narrow path to a shrubbing closed railed in platform built on the steep side of a high hill where they faced the moon whitened waves rolling softly in a dancing procession across the face to the great inland sea here he found the seat I've nothing to tell he said I lost mother so I went on without her I learned to spell and a great many other things and I'm still making money I never forget you for a day I never have loved and never shall love any other woman that's all about me and the nutshell now go on and tell me a volume tell me all night about you heavens woman I wish you could see yourself in that dress with the moon on your hair Kate you are the superbest thing I always shall be mad about you hopefully you could have had a little patience with me I thought I couldn't learn but of course I could but proceed I mustn't let myself go Kate leaned back and looked a long time at the shining white waves in the deep blue sky then she turned to John Jardine and began to talk she told him simply a few of the most presentable details of her life how she had lost her money then had been given her mother's farm about the children and how she'd now lived he listened with deep interest often interrupting to ask a question and when she ceased talking he said half under his breath and you're now free oh the wonder of it you're now free Kate had that night to think about the remainder of her life she always sincerely hoped that the moonlight did not be witcher and deleting the man beside her into saying things he seemed to take delight in saying she had no idea what time it was in fact she did not care even what Nancy Ellen thought or whether she would worry the night was wonderful John Jardine had now made a man of himself worthy of all consideration being made loved to by him was enchanting she had been occupied with the stern business of daily bread for so long that to be again clothed those other women and frankly adored by such a man as John Jardine was so satisfying what did she care who worried her what time it was but I'm keeping you here until you will be wet with these mess John Jardine cried at last forgive me Kate I never did have any sense where you were concerned I'll take you back now but you must promise me to meet me here in the morning say at ten o'clock I'll take you back now if you'll agree to that there's no reason why I shouldn't say Kate and you're free free he repeated the veranda halls and ballroom were deserted when they returned to the hotel as Kate entered her room Nancy Ellen sat up in bed and stared at her sleeply but she was laughing in high good humor she drew her watch from under her pillow and looked at it goodness gracious miss she cried do you know it's almost three o'clock I don't care at least say Kate if it's four or five I've had a perfectly heavenly time don't talk to me I'll put out the light and be quiet as soon as I get my dress off I think likely I've ruined it what's the difference to man and Nancy Ellen largely you can ruin half a dozen a day now if you want to what do you mean as Kate mean left Nancy Ellen I mean that I saw John Jardine or his ghost come up to you on the veranda looking as if he eat you alive and carry you away about nine o'clock and you've been gone six hours and come back having had a perfectly heavenly time but shouldn't I mean go up ahead Kate you have earned your right to a good time and isn't everybody who gets a second chance in this world tell me one thing and I'll go to sleep in peace and leave you the moon the remainder of the night if you like did he say he still loved you still and yet laughed Kate as I remember his exact words were that he never had loved and never would love any other woman now are you satisfied Nancy Ellen sprained from the bed and ran to Kate gathering her in her strong arms she hiding kissed her ecstatically good good oh you darling she cried there'll be nothing in the world you can't have I just know he has gone on making money he was crazy about you oh Kate this is too good how did I ever think of coming here why didn't I think of it seven years ago Kate you must promise me you'll marry and before I let you go I'll promise to think about it said Kate trying to free herself for despite the circumstance and the hour her mind flew back to a thousand times and only one kind word from Nancy Ellen would have saved her endless pain it was endless for it was burning in her heart that instant at the prospect of wealth possession and power Nancy Ellen could smother her with caresses but poverty pain and disgrace she had to endure it alone I shan't let you go till you promise threatened Nancy Ellen when are you going to see him again 10 this morning said Kate you better let me get to bed or I'll look aside then promise said Nancy Ellen Kate laid firm hands on the encircling arms now look here she said shortly it's about time to stop this nonsense there's nothing I can promise you I must have time to think I've got not only myself but the children to think for and I've got only till 10 o'clock so I better get at it Kate's tone made Nancy Ellen step back Kate you haven't still got that letter in your mind have you she demand no laugh Kate I haven't he offered me a thousand dollars if I could pronounce him a word he couldn't spell and it's perfectly evident he's studying and telling is exactly like anybody else no it's not that then what is it simple to know was nothing else cried Nancy Ellen not so much at that time but this is nearly 20 years later and I have the fate of my children in my hands I wish you'd go to bed and let me think said Kate yes and the longer you think the crazier you act cried Nancy Ellen I know you you better promise me now and stick to it for answer Kate turned off the light but she did not go to bed she sat beside the window and she was still sitting there when Dawn's crapped across the lake and began the light in the room then she stretched herself beside Nancy Ellen who roused and looked at her you're just coming to bed she cried in wonder at least you can't complain that I didn't think said Kate but Nancy Ellen found no comfort in what she said or the way she said it in fact she arose when Kate then feeling distinctly sulky as they returned to their room from breakfast Kate laid out her hat and gloves and began to get ready to keep her appointment Nancy Ellen could endure the suspense no longer Kate she said in her gentlest tones if you have no mercy on yourself have some on your children you've no right positively no right to take such a chance away from them chance for what as Kate Tursey education travel leisure every opportunity in the world enumerated Nancy Ellen Kate was handling her gloves her forehead wrinkled her eyes narrowed in concentration that is one side of it she said the other is that neither my children nor I have in our blood breeding or mental cosmos the background that takes to make one happy with money and unlimited quantities so far as I'm concerned personally I'm happier this minute as I am than John Jardine's money ever could make me I had a fierce struggle with that question long ago since I've had nearly eight years of life I love that is good for my soul the struggle to leave it would be greater now Paulie would be happier and get more from life as the wife of big gangling Henry Peters than she would as a millionaire's daughter she'd be very suitable in a farmhouse parlor she'd be a ridiculous little figure at a ball as for Adam he'd turn this down quick and hard just you try him cried Nancy Ellen for one thing he won't be here at ten o'clock said Kate and for another since it involves my becoming the wife of John Jardine it isn't for Adam to decide this decision is strictly my own I merely mentioned the children because if I married him it would have an inevitable influence on their lives an influence that I don't in the least covet either for them or for myself Nancy Ellen can't you remotely conceive for such a thing as one human being in the world who is satisfied that he has his share and who believes to the depths of his soul that no man should be allowed to amass and to use for his personal indulgence the amount of money that John Jardine does yes I can cried Nancy Ellen when I see you in the way you act you have chance after chance but you seem to think that life requires of you a steady job of holding your nose of the grindstone it was rather stubby to begin with go on and grind it clear for your face if you like all right said Kate then I'll tell you definitely that I have no particular desire to marry anybody I like my life immensely as I'm living it I'm free independent and my children are in the element to which they were born and where they can live naturally and spend their lives helping the great work of feeding clothing and housing their fellow men I have no desire to leave my job or take them from theirs to start a lazy shiftless life of self-indulgence I don't meddle much with the bible but I have a profound belief in it and the large respect for it is the greatest book in the world and it says by the sweat of his brow shall man earn his bread or works to that fact I was born a sweater I shall just go on sweating until I die I refuse to begin perspiring at my time of life you big fool cried Nancy Ellen look out to your endanger of how far when you call me that warned Kate fire away cried Nancy Ellen with tears in her eyes and voice I think what you've gone through Kate stared at her fixily what do you know about what I've gone through she demanded in the cold even voice personally I think you're not qualified to mention that subject you better let it rest whatever it has been it's been of such a nature that I have come out of it knowing when I've my share and when I'm well off for me if John Jardine wants to marry me and will solve all he has and come and work on the farm with me I'll consider marrying him to leave my life and what I love to go to Chicago with him I do not feel cold on or inclined to do no I'll not marry him and in about 15 minutes I'll tell him so hey go on making a mess of your life such as you did for years said Nancy Ellen drawing her red eyes at least it was my life say Kate I didn't mess things for anyone else accept your children said Nancy Ellen as you will said Kate rising I'll not marry John Jardine and the sooner I tell him some get it over the better goodbye I'll be back in half an hour Kate walks slowly to the observation platform where she had been the previous evening with John Jardine and leaning on the railing she stood looking out over the water and down the steep declivity thinking how best she could word what she had to say she was so absorbed she did not hear steps behind her or turn until a sharp voice said you need a way any longer he's not coming Kate turned and glanced at the speaker and then around to make sure she was the person being addressed she could see no one else the woman was small light-haired her face enameled dressed beyond all reason and in a manner wholly out of place for mourning in the summer resort in Michigan if you are speaking to me will you kindly tell me to whom you were referring give me the message you bring I refer to Mr. John Jardine Mrs. Holt said the little woman and when Kate saw that she was shaking and gripping her hands for self-control very well said Kate it will save me an unpleasant task if he doesn't come thank you and she turned back to the water you certainly didn't find anything unpleasant about being with him half last night said the little woman Kate turned again and looked narrowly at the speaker then she laughed heartily well done Jenny she cried why you are such a fashionable lady such a dolly varda and I never saw who you were how do you do won't you sit down and have a chat it's just dawning on me that very possibly from your dress a man I should have called you Mrs. Jardine didn't he tell you cried Jenny he did not said Kate your name is not mentioned he said no word about being married we have been married since a few weeks after Mrs. Jardine died I taught him the things you turn him down for not knowing I have studied him waited on him and born his children and this is my reward what are you going to do go back to the hotel when I finish with this view said Kate I find it almost as attractive by day as it was by night brazen cried Mrs. Jardine choose your words carefully said Kate I was here first since you have delivered your message suppose you go and leave me to my view not till I get ready said Mrs. Jardine perhaps it will help you to know that I was not 20 feet from you at any time last night that I stood where I could have touched you while my husband made love to you for hours so said Kate I'm not at all surprised that's exactly what I should have expected of you but doesn't it clarify the situation in the at least for me when I tell you that Mr. Jardine gave me no famous hint that he was married if you heard all with said you surely remember that you were not mentioned Mrs. Jardine sat down suddenly and gripped her little hands Kate studied her intently she wondered what she would look like when her hair was being washed this thought she smelled broadly that made the other woman frantic you can well laugh at me she said I made the banner fool the ages of myself when I schemed to marry him I knew he loved you he told me so he told me just as he told you last night that he never had loved any other woman he never would I thought he didn't know himself as I knew him he was so grand to his mother I thought if I taught him and helped him back to self-respect and gave him children he must and would love me well I was mistaken he does not and never will every day he thinks of you not at night but he speaks your name he thinks all things can be done with money so do you Jenny interrupted Kate well I'll show you that this can't didn't you hear him exalting because you are now free cried Jenny he thinks he will give me a home the children of big income then secure his freedom and marry you oh don't talk such rot cried Kate John Jardine thinks no such thing he wouldn't insult me by thinking I thought such a thing that thought belongs right spraying from right and your little cramped blonde brain Jenny you wouldn't are you sure you wouldn't cry Jenny leaning forward with hands clutched closely I should say not said Kate the last thing on earth I want some other woman's husband now look here Jenny I'll tell you the plain truth I thought last night that John Jardine was as free as I was I shouldn't have been here with him I thought he was asking me again to marry him and I was not asleep last night thinking it over I came here to tell him that I would not does that satisfy you satisfied cried Jenny I hope no other woman lives in the kind of hell I do it's always the way say Kate when people will insist on getting out of their class you would have gotten 10 times more from life as the wife of a village merchant or a farmer than you have as the wife of rich man since you're married to him and there are children there's nothing for you to do but finish your job as best you can rest your head easy about me I wouldn't touch John Jardine married to you I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole divorced from you get that clear in your head and do please go Kate turned again to the water but when she was sure Jenny was far away she sat down suddenly and asked the lake well wasn't that freeze you end of chapter 23