building. "I am trying to follow your advice, but it seems to me
that life is very difficult, any way you go at it. If it isn't
one thing, it is another. An hour ago I was the happiest I have
ever been in my life; only look at me now! Any one who wants 'the
wings of morning' may have them for all of me. It seems
definitely settled that I walk, carry a load, and fight for the
chance to do even that."

A big tear rolled down either side of Kate's nose and her face
twisted in self-pity for an instant. But when she came in sight
of home her shoulders squared, the blue-gray of her eyes deepened
to steel, and her lips set in a line that was an exact counterpart
of her father's when he had made up his mind and was ready to
drive his family, with their consent or without it. As she passed
the vegetable garden -- there was no time or room for flowers in a
Bates garden -- Kate, looking ahead, could see Nancy Ellen and
Robert Gray beneath the cherry trees. She hoped Nancy Ellen would
see that she was tired and dusty, and should have time to brush
and make herself more presentable to meet a stranger, and so Nancy
Ellen did; for which reason she immediately arose and came to the
gate, followed by her suitor whom she at once introduced. Kate
was in no mood for words; one glance at her proved to Robert Gray
that she was tired and dusty, that there were tear marks dried on
her face. They hastily shook hands, but neither mentioned the
previous meeting. Excusing herself Kate went into the house
saying she would soon return.

Nancy Ellen glanced at Robert, and saw the look of concern on his
face.