Keith hesitated, then:

"I think I'll go up to the house for her."

Mrs. Sherwood nodded, and resumed her work calmly, without further remark.

At the house Keith found Nan, her apron on, her hair done up under a dust
cap, very busy.

"Noon?" she cried, astonished. "It can't be! But I can't stop now. I think
I'll have Wing pick me up a lunch. There's plenty in the house. It's too
much bother to clean up."

Keith demurred; then wanted to stay for the pick-up lunch himself. Nan
would have none of it. She was full of repressed enthusiasm and eagerness,
but she wanted to get rid of him.

"There's not enough. I wouldn't have you around. Go away, that's a good
boy! If you'll leave Wing and me entirely alone we'll be ready to move in
to-morrow."

"Where's Gringo?" asked Keith by way of indirect yielding--he had really no
desire for a picked-up lunch.

"The little rascal! He started to chew everything in the place, so I tied
him in the backyard. He pulls and flops dreadfully. Do you think he'll
strangle himself?"

Keith looked out the window. Gringo, all four feet planted, was