A Daughter of the Land

"This is about as mean a trick, and as big a shame as I've ever

seen," she said, hotly. "You know I was brought up with this, and

I never looked at it with the eyes of a stranger before. If ever

I get my fingers on those deeds, I'll make short work of them!"

"And a good job, too!" assented Kate, instantly. "Look out!

There comes Adam."

"I'd just as soon tell him so as not!" whispered Nancy Ellen.

"Which would result in the deeds being recorded to-morrow and

spoiling our trip to-day, and what good would it do you?" said

Kate.

"None, of course! Nothing ever does a Bates girl any good, unless

she gets out and does it for herself," retorted Nancy Ellen

spitefully.

"There, there," said Robert as he came to help Nancy Ellen protect

her skirts in alighting. "I was afraid this trip would breed

discontent."

"What's the trouble?" asked John, as he performed the same service

for Kate.

"Oh, the girls are grouching a little because they helped earn all

this, and are to be left out of it," explained Robert in a low

voice.

"Let's get each one of them a farm that will lay any of these

completely in the shade," suggested John.

"All right for you, if you can do it," said Robert, laughing, "but

I've gone my limit for the present. Besides, if you gave each of

them two hundred acres of the Kingdom of Heaven, it wouldn't stop

them from feeling that they had been defrauded of their birthright

here."

"How would you feel if you was served the same way?" asked John,

and even as she shook hands with Adam, and introduced John

Jardine, Kate found herself wishing that he had said "were."

As the girls had predicted, the place was immaculate, the yard

shady and cool from the shelter of many big trees, the house

comfortable, convenient, the best of everything in sight. Agatha

and Susan were in new white dresses, while Adam Jr. and 3d wore

tan and white striped seersucker coats, and white duck trousers.

It was not difficult to feel a glow of pride in the place and

people. Adam made them cordially welcome.

"You undoubtedly are blessed with good fortune," said Agatha.

"Won't you please enlighten us concerning your travels,

Katherine?"

So Kate told them everything she could think of that she thought

would interest and amuse them, even outlining for Agatha speeches

she had heard made by Dr. Vincent, Chaplain McCabe, Jehu DeWitt

Miller, a number of famous politicians, teachers, and ministers.

Then all of them talked about everything. Adam took John and

Robert to look over the farm, whereupon Kate handed over her hat

for Agatha to finger and try on.

"And how long will it be, my dear," said Agatha to Kate, "before

you enter connubial bliss?"