of the work, and indeed it was beyond her strength. After breakfast on
churning days, he prepared everything and set the dog at work. Then he
emptied the churn of the buttermilk when he came in to dinner.

All the associations of the place were pleasant to Alida. It was here that
her husband had shown patience as well as kindness in teaching her how to
supplement his work until her own experience and judgment gave her a better
skill than he possessed. Many pleasant, laughing words had passed between
them in this cool, shadowy place, and on a former rainy morning he had brought
a chair down that he might keep her company. She had not carried it back, nor
was she very greatly surprised to see him saunter in and occupy it on the
present occasion. She stood by the churn, her figure outlined clearly in the
light from the open door, as she poured in cold water from time to time to
hasten and harden the gathering butter. Her right sleeve was rolled well
back, revealing a white arm that was becoming beautifully plump and round. An
artist would have said that her attitude and action were unconsciously natural
and graceful. Holcroft had scarcely the remotest idea of artistic effect, but
he had a sensible man's perception of a charming woman when she is charming.

"Mr. Holcroft," she asked very gravely, "will you do something for me?"

"Yes, half a dozen things."

"You promise?"

"Certainly! What's the trouble?"

"I don't mean there shall be any if I can help it," she answered with a light
ripple of laughter. "Please go and put on your coat."