"I got it because Nancy Ellen especially wanted it, and she has
been a mighty good girl all summer," he said.

"If that is the case, then she should be rewarded with the
privilege of running a lawn-mower," said Kate.

Her father looked at her sharply; but her face was so pleasant he
decided she did not intend to be saucy, so he said: "No doubt she
will be willing to let you help her all you want to."

"Not the ghost of a doubt about that," laughed Kate, "and I always
wanted to try running one, too. They look so nice in pictures,
and how one improves a place! I hardly know this is home. Now if
we only had a fresh coat of white paint we could line up with the
neighbours."

"I have been thinking about that," said Mr. Bates, and Kate
glanced at him, doubting her hearing.

He noticed her surprise and added in explanation: "Paint every so
often saves a building. It's good economy."

"Then let's economize immediately," said Kate. "And on the barn,
too. It is even more weather-beaten than the house."

"I'll see about it the next time I go to town," said Mr. Bates; so
Kate entered the house prepared for anything and wondering what it
all meant for wherever she looked everything was shining the
brightest that scrubbing and scouring could make it shine, the
best of everything was out and in use; not that it was much, but