"Are father and mother at home?" asked Huldah.

"Yes, both on 'em. Susie Barker's been helpin' her to-day, and the
Dekin's wife thinks o' keepin' her reg'lar."

"I'll have them come to supper," said Huldah. "Abner, hitch up the
black mare into the low phaeton and bring them up here. Don't tell
them who's here, but tell them that I say they must come."

"Well, I declare!" All looked up and saw Ezekiel standing in the
doorway. He wore overalls and thick boots, his sleeves were rolled
up, showing his brawny arms with muscles like whip-cords. His face
was brown, but his beard was neatly trimmed, and his eyes bright. He
was a picture of robust, healthy manhood, and showed what he was,--a
hard-working, independent New England farmer. Alice sprang into his
arms and received a resounding smack. One hand grasped Quincy's while
the other encircled his dainty wife's waist, and he drew her towards
him.

"You have a fine farm," said Quincy.

"About as good as they make them," 'Zeke replied. "I've a good market
for all I can raise. Strout and Maxwell buy a great deal of garden
truck, and I sell considerable to Mrs. Hawkins direct. What I have
left we eat or give away."

Alice had taken young Quincy on her lap. He became communicative.
"I've got a grandpa and grandma and Uncle Abner."

"Abner isn't your uncle," said Alice. "I'm your Aunt Alice, and that