for Fannie, the housekeeper. As she retained her post under the new Mrs.
Oakley, and as there was a cottage ready to his hand, it promised to be
cheaper and more convenient all around to get married. Fannie was
willing, and so the matter was settled.

Fannie had never regretted her choice, nor had Berry ever had cause to
curse his utilitarian ideas. The stream of years had flowed pleasantly
and peacefully with them. Their little sorrows had come, but their joys
had been many.

As time went on, the little cottage grew in comfort. It was replenished
with things handed down from "the house" from time to time and with
others bought from the pair's earnings.

Berry had time for his lodge, and Fannie time to spare for her own house
and garden. Flowers bloomed in the little plot in front and behind it;
vegetables and greens testified to the housewife's industry.

Over the door of the little house a fine Virginia creeper bent and fell
in graceful curves, and a cluster of insistent morning-glories clung in
summer about its stalwart stock.

It was into this bower of peace and comfort that Joe and Kitty were
born. They brought a new sunlight into the house and a new joy to the
father's and mother's hearts. Their early lives were pleasant and
carefully guarded. They got what schooling the town afforded, but both
went to work early, Kitty helping her mother and Joe learning the trade
of barber.

Kit was the delight of her mother's life. She was a pretty, cheery