Then all of them talked about everything. Adam took John and
Robert to look over the farm, whereupon Kate handed over her hat
for Agatha to finger and try on.
"And how long will it be, my dear," said Agatha to Kate, "before
you enter connubial bliss?"
"My goodness! I'm glad you asked me that while the men are at the
barn," said Kate. "Mr. Jardine hasn't said a word about it
himself, so please be careful what you say before him."
Agatha looked at Kate in wonder.
"You amaze me," she said. "Why, he regards you as if he would
devour you. He hasn't proposed for your hand, you say? Surely
you're not giving him proper encouragement!"
"She isn't giving him any, further than allowing him to be
around," said Nancy Ellen.
"Do enlighten me!" cried the surprised Agatha. "How astonishing!
Why, Kate, my dear, there is a just and proper amount of
encouragement that MUST be given any self-respecting youth, before
he makes his declarations. You surely know that."
"No, I do not know it!" said Kate. "I thought it was a man's
place to speak up loud and plain and say what he had to propose.
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