A Daughter of the Land

"Wasn't that a pretty nice room?" asked Adam. "Didn't you kind of

hate to give it up?"

"I haven't the slightest intention of giving it up," answered

Kate. "That woman is a skin-flint and I don't propose to let her

beat me. No doubt she was glad to get four-fifty last fall.

She's only trying to see if she can wring me for a dollar more.

If I have to board all next summer, I shall have to watch every

penny, or I'll not come out even, let alone saving anything. I'll

wager you a nickel that before we leave, she comes over here and

offers me the room at the same price she got last winter."

"I hope you are right," said Adam. "How do you like her?"

"Got a grouch, nasty temper, mean disposition; clean house, good

room, good cook -- maybe; lives just on the edge of comfort by

daily skimping," summarized Kate.

"If she comes, are you going to try it?" asked Adam.

"Yes, I think I shall. It is nearest my purse and requirements

and if the former teacher stayed there, it will seem all right for

me; but she isn't going to put that little stove in my room. It

wouldn't heat the closet. How did you like her?"

"Not much!" said Adam, promptly. "If glaring at your back could

have killed you, you would have fallen dead when you examined the

closet, and bedding, and stove. She honeyed up when she had to,

but she was mad as hops. I nearly bursted right out when she

talked about 'taking time by the fetlock.' I wanted to tell her

she looked like she had, and almost got the life kicked out of her

doing it, but I thought I'd better not."

Kate laughed. "Yes, I noticed," she said, "but I dared not look

at you. I was afraid you'd laugh. Isn't this a fine lunch?"

"Bet your life it is," said Adam. "Ma never puts up any other

kind."

"I wish someone admired me as much as you do your mother, Adam,"

said Kate.

"Well, you be as nice as Ma, and somebody is sure to," said he.

"But I never could," said Kate.

"Oh, yes, you could," said Adam, "if you would only set yourself

to do it and try with all your might to be like her. Look, quick!

That must be her 'Medical Course' man!"

Kate glanced across the way and saw a man she thought to be about

thirty years of age. He did not resemble his mother in any

particular, if he was the son of Mrs. Holt. He was above the

average man in height, having broad, rather stooping shoulders,

dark hair and eyes. He stopped at the gate and stood a few

seconds looking at them, so they could not very well study him

closely, then he went up the walk with loose, easy stride and

entered the house.