"And I'd like to have it an all-day-at-home, say from eleven in the morning
until five in the afternoon, and not make just a little call, Patrick."

"Of course, miss, a regular long day, with your donkey put into a stall in the
barn, and yourselves and the donkey biding for the best dinner we can give
ye."

"And I'd like to have you there, Patrick, because we might not feel AT HOME
just with Mrs. Kirk."

"Well, I don't know, miss; do you suppose your Father could spare me?" and
Patrick thought a little regretfully of the dollar and a half he would insist
upon foregoing if he took a day off, but at the same moment he berated himself
soundly for having such an ungenerous thought. "Indade, miss, if you'll manage
for me to have the day I'll gladly stay to home to make ye welcome."

"Then it's settled, Patrick, and we'll make it the very first day Papa can
spare you. " The had raked down, while they had been having this conversation,
to close proximity to two pretty rows of apple-trees that had been left on the
front lawn, a reminder of the farm that "used to be," and the sight of the
trees brought a troubled look into Tattine's face. "Patrick," she said
ruefully, "do you know that some of the nests in these trees have been robbed
of their eggs? Four or five of them are empty now. Have you an idea who could
do such a thing?"

"Yes, I have an idea," and Patrick rested his hands upon the handle of his
rake and looked significantly towards the barn; "somebody who lives in the
barn, I'm thinkin'."

"Why, Joseph would not do it, nor Philip the groom, and little Joey is too