Bates. "That's it! But keep
still. Don't you tell a soul about it, but go on and do it,
Katie. Wade right in! What else can you think of?"
"A brain specialist for you," said Kate. "I think myself this is
enough for a start; but if you insist on more, there's a gas line
passing us out there on the road; we could hitch on for a very
reasonable sum, and do away with lamps and cooking with wood."
"Goody for you! That's it!" cried Mrs. Bates. "That's the very
thing! Now brush up your hair your prettiest, and put on your new
blue dress, and take the buggy, and you and Adam go see how much
of this can be started to-day. Me and Polly will keep house."
In a month all of these changes had been made, and were in running
order; the painting was finished, new furniture in place, a fair
start made on the garden, while a strong, young, hired man was not
far behind Hiram with his plowing. Kate was so tired she almost
staggered; but she was so happy she arose each morning refreshed,
and accomplished work enough for three average women before the
day was over. She suggested to her mother that she use her money
from the sale of the Walden home to pay for what furniture she had
bought, and then none of the others could feel that they were
entitled to any share in it, at any time.
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