"
June came, with her blue skies, her singing birds, her wealth of
beauty. But there was no time at Stillman's to enjoy it. A larger crop
than usual had been put in, and extra hands employed, but not in the
house. Why, there were five women, counting frail little ten-year-old
Susy as one, and poor, delicate Mrs. Stillman as another! What extra
help could they need, although washing and cooking must be done for
all the men? You see, "hands" could be got much cheaper if they were
boarded--and what else had the women to do?
It was true, mother was not as strong as she used to be; but she did
not complain. She was only more shadowy and quiet; and Mr. Stillman
told his daughters to "stir around" themselves, and not let their
mother do all the work.
"Oh, dear," said Margaret one morning, as she and Rachel were bending
over the wash-tubs, while Susy labored at the heavy churning and the
mother and Elizabeth were preparing dinner. "I wish we could go to the
picnic on the Fourth; everybody's going."
"Maybe we can," said Rachel, hopefully. "I heard father say the wheat
was late this year, and he did not believe it would do to cut before
the sixth. And oh, Margaret, I heard him say your calf would bring at
least ten dollars; and if he gives you the money, you can get a new
white dress and give me your old one.
Pages:
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214