almost anyone would appear well against such a background."

But Holcroft was much too direct to be diverted from his thought or its
expression. "The man knew the mighty nice-looking woman he had painted would
look well," he said, "and I know of another woman who appears better against a
darker background. That's enough to make a man smile who has been through
what I have."

She could not help a flush of pleasure or disguise the happy light in her
eyes, but she looked significantly at Jane, who, mystified and curious, was
glancing from one to the other.

"Confound it!" thought the farmer. "That'll be the way of it now. Here's a
little pitcher that's nearly all ears. Well, we're in for it and must do our
duty."

Going to town that day involved no slight inconvenience, but Holcroft dropped
everything and rapidly made his preparations.

When Alida was left alone with Jane, the latter began clearing the table with
alacrity, and after a few furtive glances at Mrs. Holcroft, yielded to the
feeling that she should make some acknowledgment of the intercession in her
behalf. "Say," she began, "I thought you wasn't goin; to stand up for me,
after all. Women folks are liars, mostly."

"You are mistaken, Jane. If you wish to stay with us, you must tell the truth
and drop all sly ways."

"That's what he said when I first come."