"No, I know you don't," he said. "But it's a pity to spoil you."
"I don't know what's the matter with you," said Kate, patiently.
She bent her head toward him. "Feel," she said, "and see if my
hair isn't soft and fine. I always cover it in really burning
sun; this autumn haze is good for it. My complexion is exactly as
smooth and even now, as it was the day I first met you on the
footlog over twenty years ago. There's one good thing about the
Bates women. They wear well. None of us yet have ever faded, and
frazzled out. Have you got many Hartley women, doing what you
call women's work, to compare with me physically, Robert?"
"You know the answer to that," he said.
"So I do!" said Kate. "I see some of them occasionally, when
business calls me that way. Now, Robert, I'm so well, I feel like
running a footrace the first thing when I wake up every morning.
I'm making money, I'm starting my boy in a safe, useful life; have
you many year and a half babies in your practice that can beat
Little Poll? I'm as happy as it's humanly possible for me to be
without Mother, and Polly, and Nancy Ellen. Mother used always to
say that when death struck a family it seldom stopped until it
took three. That was my experience, and saving Adam and Little
Poll, it took my three dearest; but the separation isn't going to
be so very long. If I were you I wouldn't worry about me, Robert.
There are many women in the world willing to pay for your
consideration; save it for them."
"Kate, I'm sorry I said anything," he said hastily. "I wouldn't
offend you purposely, you know."
Kate looked at him in surprise. "But I'm not offended," she said,
snapping an ear and reaching for another. "I am merely telling
you! Don't give me a thought! I'm all right! If you'll save me
an hour the next time Little Poll has a tooth coming through,
you'll have completely earned my gratitude. Tell Agatha I'll come
as soon as I finish my evening work."
That was clearly a dismissal, for Kate glancing across the field
toward Adam, saw that he had advanced to a new shock, so she began
husking faster than before.