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Stratton-Porter, Gene, 1863-1924

"A Daughter of the Land"

If I can keep them going
a few months more with a teething scare, I hope they will get over
wanting her."
"If they do, then may we have her?" asked Nancy Ellen.
Kate threw out her hands. "Take my eyes, or my hands, or my
feet," she said; "but leave me my heart."
Nancy Ellen went soon after, and did not come again for several
days. Then she began coming as usual, so that the baby soon knew
her and laughed in high glee when she appeared. Dr. Gray often
stopped in passing to see her; if he was in great haste, he
hallooed at the gate to ask if she was all right. Kate was
thankful for this, more than thankful for the telephone and car
that would bring him in fifteen minutes day or night, if he were
needed. But he was not needed. Little Poll throve and grew fat
and rosy; for she ate measured food, slept by the clock, in a
sanitary bed, and was a bathed, splendidly cared for baby. When
Kate's family and friends laughed, she paid not the slightest
heed.
"Laugh away," she said. "I've got something to fight with this
baby; I don't propose for the battle to come and find the chances
against me, because I'm unprepared.


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