probably I never shall. And I bet you never get a flipper on that
deed until Father has crossed over Jordan, which with his health
and strength won't be for twenty-five years yet at least. He's
performing a miracle that will make the other girls rave, when he
gives Nancy Ellen money to buy her outfit; but they won't dare let
him hear a whisper of it. They'll take it all out on Mother, and
she'll be afraid to tell him."

"Afraid? Mother afraid of him? Not on your life. She is hand in
glove with him. She thinks as he does, and helps him in
everything he undertakes."

"That's so, too. Come to think of it, she isn't a particle afraid
of him. She agrees with him perfectly. It would be interesting
to hear them having a private conversation. They never talk a
word before us. But they always agree, and they heartily agree on
Nancy Ellen's man, that is plainly to be seen."

"It will make a very difficult winter for you, Katherine," said
Agatha. "When Nancy Ellen becomes interested in dresses and
table linen and bedding she will want to sew all the time, and
leave the cooking and dishes for you as well as your schoolwork."

Kate turned toward Agatha in surprise. "But I won't be there! I
told you I had taken a school."

"You taken a school!" shouted Adam. "Why, didn't they tell you
that Father has signed up for the home school for you?"

"Good Heavens!" said Kate. "What will be to pay now?"