John had not been gone more than ten minutes before we saw Mr. Ball
approaching.

"Oh, I hope he isn't going to say we can't stay!" exclaimed
Euphemia.

"How d'ye do?" said Mr. Ball, shaking hands with us. "Did you
stick it out all night?"

"Oh yes, indeed," I replied, "and expect to stick it out for a many
more nights if you don't object to our occupying your land."

"No objection in the world," said he; "but it seems a little queer
for people who have a good house to be living out here in the
fields in a tent, now, don't it?"

"Oh, but you see," said I, and I went on and explained the whole
thing to him,--the advice of the doctor, the discussion about the
proper place to go to, and the good reasons for fixing on this
spot.

"Ye-es," said he, "that's all very well, no doubt. But how's the
girl?"

"What girl?" I asked.

"Your girl. The hired girl you left at the house."

"Oh, she's all right," said I; "she's always well."