A Daughter of the Land

"Your saying all your work had been for nothing, made me think of

it," she answered. "Let them give another man the prize, when

they know your corn is the best. It's their way of keeping a

larger number of people interested and avoiding the appearance of

partiality; this contest was too close; next year, you grow such

corn, that the CORN will force the decision in spite of the

judges. Do you see?"

"I see," said Adam. "I'll try again."

After that life went on as usual. The annual Christmas party was

the loveliest of all, because Kate gave it loving thought, and

because all of their hearts were especially touched. As spring

came on again, Kate and Adam studied over their work, planning

many changes for the better, but each time they talked, when

everything else was arranged, they came back to corn. More than

once, each of them dreamed corn that winter while asleep, they

frankly talked of it many times a day. Location, soil,

fertilizers, seed, cultivation -- they even studied the almanacs

for a general forecast of the weather. These things brought them

very close together. Also it was admitted between them, that

Little Poll "grappled them with hooks of steel." They never

lacked subjects for conversation. Poll always came first, corn

next, and during the winter there began to be discussion of plans

for Adam and Milly. Should Milly come with them, or should they

build a small house on the end of the farm nearest her mother?

Adam did not care, so he married Milly speedily. Kate could not

make up her mind. Milly had the inclination of a bird for a

personal and private nest of her own. So spring came to them.

August brought the anniversary of Nancy Ellen's death, which again

saddened all of them. Then came cooler September weather, and the

usual rush of preparation for winter. Kate was everywhere and

enjoying her work immensely. On sturdy, tumbly legs Little Poll

trotted after her or rode in state on her shoulder, when distances

were too far. If Kate took her to the fields, as she did every

day, she carried along the half of an old pink and white quilt,

which she spread in a shaded place and filled the baby's lap with

acorns, wild flowers, small brightly coloured stones, shells, and

whatever she could pick up for playthings. Poll amused herself

with these until the heat and air made her sleepy, then she laid

herself down and slept for an hour or two. Once she had trouble

with stomach teeth that brought Dr. Gray racing, and left Kate

white and limp with fear. Everything else had gone finely and

among helping Adam, working in her home, caring for the baby,

doing whatever she could see that she thought would be of benefit

to the community, and what was assigned her by church committees,

Kate had a busy life. She had earned, in a degree, the leadership

she exercised in her first days in Walden. Everyone liked her;

but no one ever ventured to ask her for an opinion unless they

truly wanted it.