下载辰思小说免费APP
Iain\'ta-goingtocarrysuchalookingthingbacktoMr。Burden。\'
Ambroschdroppedthecollarontheground。`Allright，\'
hesaidcoolly，tookuphisoil-can，andbegantoclimbthemill。
Jakecaughthimbythebeltofhistrousersandyankedhimback。
Ambrosch\'sfeethadscarcelytouchedthegroundwhenhelungedoutwithaviciouskickatJake\'sstomach。Fortunately，Jakewasinsuchapositionthathecoulddodgeit。Thiswasnotthesortofthingcountryboysdidwhentheyplayedatfisticuffs，andJakewasfurious。
HelandedAmbroschablowonthehead——itsoundedlikethecrackofanaxeonacow-pumpkin。Ambroschdroppedover，stunned。
Weheardsqueals，andlookingupsawAntoniaandhermothercomingontherun。Theydidnottakethepatharoundthepond，butplungedthroughthemuddywater，withoutevenliftingtheirskirts。
Theycameon，screamingandclawingtheair。BythistimeAmbroschhadcometohissensesandwassputteringwithnosebleed。
Jakesprangintohissaddle。`Let\'sgetoutofthis，Jim，\'hecalled。
Mrs。Shimerdathrewherhandsoverherheadandclutchedasifsheweregoingtopulldownlightning。`Law，law！\'sheshriekedafterus。
`LawforknockmyAmbroschdown！\'
`Ineverlikeyounomore，JakeandJimBurden，\'Antoniapanted。
`Nofriendsanymore！\'
Jakestoppedandturnedhishorseforasecond。
`Well，you\'readamnedungratefullot，thewholepackofyou，\'
heshoutedback。`IguesstheBurdenscangetalongwithoutyou。
You\'vebeenasightoftroubletothem，anyhow！\'
Werodeaway，feelingsooutragedthatthefinemorningwasspoiledforus。
Ihadn\'tawordtosay，andpoorJakewaswhiteaspaperandtremblingallover。Itmadehimsicktogetsoangry。
`Theyain\'tthesame，Jimmy，\'hekeptsayinginahurttone。
`Theseforeignersain\'tthesame。Youcan\'ttrust\'emtobefair。
It\'sdirtytokickafeller。Youheardhowthewomenturnedonyou——
andafterallwewentthroughonaccountof\'emlastwinter！
Theyain\'ttobetrusted。Idon\'twanttoseeyougettoothickwithanyof\'em。\'
`I\'llneverbefriendswiththemagain，Jake，\'Ideclaredhotly。
`IbelievetheyarealllikeKrajiekandAmbroschunderneath。\'
Grandfatherheardourstorywithatwinkleinhiseye。
HeadvisedJaketoridetotowntomorrow，gotoajusticeofthepeace，tellhimhehadknockedyoungShimerdadown，andpayhisfine。ThenifMrs。Shimerdawasinclinedtomaketrouble——
hersonwasstillunderage——shewouldbeforestalled。
Jakesaidhemightaswelltakethewagonandhaultomarketthepighehadbeenfattening。OnMonday，aboutanhourafterJakehadstarted，wesawMrs。ShimerdaandherAmbroschproudlydrivingby，lookingneithertotherightnorleft。
AstheyrattledoutofsightdowntheBlackHawkroad，grandfatherchuckled，sayinghehadratherexpectedshewouldfollowthematterup。
Jakepaidhisfinewithaten-dollarbillgrandfatherhadgivenhimforthatpurpose。ButwhentheShimerdasfoundthatJakesoldhispigintownthatday，AmbroschworkeditoutinhisshrewdheadthatJakehadtosellhispigtopayhisfine。
ThistheoryaffordedtheShimerdasgreatsatisfaction，apparently。
Forweeksafterward，wheneverJakeandImetAntoniaonherwaytothepost-office，orgoingalongtheroadwithherwork-team，shewouldclapherhandsandcalltousinaspiteful，crowingvoice:
`Jake-y，Jake-y，sellthepigandpaytheslap！\'
OttopretendednottobesurprisedatAntonia\'sbehaviour。
Heonlyliftedhisbrowsandsaid，`Youcan\'ttellmeanythingnewaboutaCzech；I\'manAustrian。\'
GrandfatherwasneverapartytowhatJakecalledourfeudwiththeShimerdas。AmbroschandAntoniaalwaysgreetedhimrespectfully，andheaskedthemabouttheiraffairsandgavethemadviceasusual。Hethoughtthefuturelookedhopefulforthem。
Ambroschwasafar-seeingfellow；hesoonrealizedthathisoxenweretooheavyforanyworkexceptbreakingsod，andhesucceededinsellingthemtoanewlyarrivedGerman。
Withthemoneyheboughtanotherteamofhorses，whichgrandfatherselectedforhim。Marekwasstrong，andAmbroschworkedhimhard；
buthecouldneverteachhimtocultivatecorn，Iremember。
TheoneideathathadevergotthroughpoorMarek\'sthickheadwasthatallexertionwasmeritorious。Healwaysboredownonthehandlesofthecultivatoranddrovethebladessodeepintotheearththatthehorsesweresoonexhausted。
InJune，AmbroschwenttoworkatMr。Bushy\'sforaweek，andtookMarekwithhimatfullwages。Mrs。Shimerdathendrovethesecondcultivator；
sheandAntoniaworkedinthefieldsalldayanddidthechoresatnight。
Whilethetwowomenwererunningtheplacealone，oneofthenewhorsesgotcolicandgavethematerriblefright。
Antoniahadgonedowntothebarnonenighttoseethatallwaswellbeforeshewenttobed，andshenoticedthatoneoftheroanswasswollenaboutthemiddleandstoodwithitsheadhanging。
Shemountedanotherhorse，withoutwaitingtosaddlehim，andhammeredonourdoorjustasweweregoingtobed。
Grandfatheransweredherknock。Hedidnotsendoneofhismen，butrodebackwithherhimself，takingasyringeandanoldpieceofcarpethekeptforhotapplicationswhenourhorsesweresick。
HefoundMrs。Shimerdasittingbythehorsewithherlantern，groaningandwringingherhands。Ittookbutafewmomentstoreleasethegasespentupinthepoorbeast，andthetwowomenheardtherushofwindandsawtheroanvisiblydiminishingirth。
`IfIlosethathorse，Mr。Burden，\'Antoniaexclaimed，`IneverstayheretillAmbroschcomehome！Igodrownmyselfinthepondbeforemorning。\'
WhenAmbroschcamebackfromMr。Bushy\'s，welearnedthathehadgivenMarek\'swagestothepriestatBlackHawk，forMassesfortheirfather\'ssoul。GrandmotherthoughtAntonianeededshoesmorethanMr。Shimerdaneededprayers，butgrandfathersaidtolerantly，`Ifhecansparesixdollars，pinchedasheis，itshowshebelieveswhatheprofesses。\'
ItwasgrandfatherwhobroughtaboutareconciliationwiththeShimerdas。
Onemorninghetoldusthatthesmallgrainwascomingonsowell，hethoughthewouldbegintocuthiswheatonthefirstofJuly。
Hewouldneedmoremen，andifitwereagreeabletoeveryonehewouldengageAmbroschforthereapingandthreshing，astheShimerdashadnosmallgrainoftheirown。
`Ithink，Emmaline，\'heconcluded，`IwillaskAntoniatocomeoverandhelpyouinthekitchen。Shewillbegladtoearnsomething，anditwillbeagoodtimetoendmisunderstandings。
Imayaswellrideoverthismorningandmakearrangements。
Doyouwanttogowithme，Jim？\'Histonetoldmethathehadalreadydecidedforme。
Afterbreakfastwesetofftogether。WhenMrs。Shimerdasawuscoming，sheranfromherdoordownintothedrawbehindthestable，asifshedidnotwanttomeetus。
Grandfathersmiledtohimselfwhilehetiedhishorse，andwefollowedher。
Behindthebarnwecameuponafunnysight。Thecowhadevidentlybeengrazingsomewhereinthedraw。Mrs。Shimerdahadruntotheanimal，pulledupthelariatpin，and，whenwecameuponher，shewastryingtohidethecowinanoldcaveinthebank。
Astheholewasnarrowanddark，thecowheldback，andtheoldwomanwasslappingandpushingatherhindquarters，tryingtospankherintothedrawside。
Grandfatherignoredhersingularoccupationandgreetedherpolitely。
`Goodmorning，Mrs。Shimerda。CanyoutellmewhereIwillfindAmbrosch？
Whichfield？\'
`Hewiththesodcorn。\'Shepointedtowardthenorth，stillstandinginfrontofthecowasifshehopedtoconcealit。
`Hissodcornwillbegoodforfodderthiswinter，\'
saidgrandfatherencouragingly。`AndwhereisAntonia？\'
`Shegowith。\'Mrs。Shimerdakeptwigglingherbarefeetaboutnervouslyinthedust。
`Verywell。Iwillrideupthere。Iwantthemtocomeoverandhelpmecutmyoatsandwheatnextmonth。Iwillpaythemwages。Goodmorning。
Bytheway，Mrs。Shimerda，\'hesaidasheturnedupthepath，`Ithinkwemayaswellcallitsquareaboutthecow。\'
Shestartedandclutchedtheropetighter。
Seeingthatshedidnotunderstand，grandfatherturnedback。
`Youneednotpaymeanythingmore；nomoremoney。
Thecowisyours。\'
`Paynomore，keepcow？\'sheaskedinabewilderedtone，hernarroweyessnappingatusinthesunlight。
`Exactly。Paynomore，keepcow。\'Henodded。
Mrs。Shimerdadroppedtherope，ranafterus，and，crouchingdownbesidegrandfather，shetookhishandandkissedit。
Idoubtifhehadeverbeensomuchembarrassedbefore。
Iwasalittlestartled，too。Somehow，thatseemedtobringtheOldWorldveryclose。
Werodeawaylaughing，andgrandfathersaid:`Iexpectshethoughtwehadcometotakethecowawayforcertain，Jim。
Iwonderifshewouldn\'thavescratchedalittleifwe\'dlaidholdofthatlariatrope！\'
Ourneighboursseemedgladtomakepeacewithus。ThenextSundayMrs。ShimerdacameoverandbroughtJakeapairofsocksshehadknitted。
Shepresentedthemwithanairofgreatmagnanimity，saying，`NowyounotcomeanymoreforknockmyAmbroschdown？\'
Jakelaughedsheepishly。`Idon\'twanttohavenotroublewithAmbrosch。
Ifhe\'llletmealone，I\'lllethimalone。\'
`Ifheslapyou，weain\'tgotnopigforpaythefine，\'
shesaidinsinuatingly。
Jakewasnotatalldisconcerted。`Havethelastwordma\'m，\'
hesaidcheerfully。`It\'salady\'sprivilege。\'
XIX
JULYCAMEONwiththatbreathless，brilliantheatwhichmakestheplainsofKansasandNebraskathebestcorncountryintheworld。
Itseemedasifwecouldhearthecorngrowinginthenight；
underthestarsonecaughtafaintcracklinginthedewy，heavy-odouredcornfieldswherethefeatheredstalksstoodsojuicyandgreen。
IfallthegreatplainfromtheMissouritotheRockyMountainshadbeenunderglass，andtheheatregulatedbyathermometer，itcouldnothavebeenbetterfortheyellowtasselsthatwereripeningandfertilizingthesilkdaybyday。Thecornfieldswerefarapartinthosetimes，withmilesofwildgrazinglandbetween。
Ittookaclear，meditativeeyelikemygrandfather\'stoforeseethattheywouldenlargeandmultiplyuntiltheywouldbe，nottheShimerdas\'cornfields，orMr。Bushy\'s，buttheworld\'scornfields；
thattheiryieldwouldbeoneofthegreateconomicfacts，likethewheatcropofRussia，whichunderliealltheactivitiesofmen，inpeaceorwar。
Theburningsunofthosefewweeks，withoccasionalrainsatnight，securedthecorn。Afterthemilkyearswereonceformed，wehadlittletofearfromdryweather。Themenwereworkingsohardinthewheatfieldsthattheydidnotnoticetheheat——thoughIwaskeptbusycarryingwaterforthem——andgrandmotherandAntoniahadsomuchtodointhekitchenthattheycouldnothavetoldwhetheronedaywashotterthananother。
Eachmorning，whilethedewwasstillonthegrass，Antoniawentwithmeuptothegardentogetearlyvegetablesfordinner。
Grandmothermadeherwearasunbonnet，butassoonaswereachedthegardenshethrewitonthegrassandletherhairflyinthebreeze。
Irememberhow，aswebentoverthepea-vines，beadsofperspirationusedtogatheronherupperliplikealittlemoustache。
`Oh，betterIliketoworkout-of-doorsthaninahouse！\'
sheusedtosingjoyfully。`Inotcarethatyourgrandmothersayitmakesmelikeaman。Iliketobelikeaman。\'
Shewouldtossherheadandaskmetofeelthemusclesswellinherbrownarm。
Weweregladtohaveherinthehouse。Shewassogayandresponsivethatonedidnotmindherheavy，runningstep，orherclatterywaywithpans。
GrandmotherwasinhighspiritsduringtheweeksthatAntoniaworkedforus。
Allthenightswerecloseandhotduringthatharvestseason。
Theharvesterssleptinthehayloftbecauseitwascoolertherethaninthehouse。Iusedtolieinmybedbytheopenwindow，watchingtheheatlightningplaysoftlyalongthehorizon，orlookingupatthegauntframeofthewindmillagainstthebluenightsky。Onenighttherewasabeautifulelectricstorm，thoughnotenoughrainfelltodamagethecutgrain。
Themenwentdowntothebarnimmediatelyaftersupper，andwhenthedisheswerewashed，AntoniaandIclimbedupontheslantingroofofthechicken-housetowatchtheclouds。
Thethunderwasloudandmetallic，liketherattleofsheetiron，andthelightningbrokeingreatzigzagsacrosstheheavens，makingeverythingstandoutandcomeclosetousforamoment。
Halftheskywaschequeredwithblackthunderheads，butallthewestwasluminousandclear:inthelightningflashesitlookedlikedeepbluewater，withthesheenofmoonlightonit；
andthemottledpartoftheskywaslikemarblepavement，likethequayofsomesplendidseacoastcity，doomedtodestruction。
Greatwarmsplashesofrainfellonourupturnedfaces。
Oneblackcloud，nobiggerthanalittleboat，driftedoutintotheclearspaceunattended，andkeptmovingwestward。
Allaboutuswecouldhearthefeltybeatoftheraindropsonthesoftdustofthefarmyard。Grandmothercametothedoorandsaiditwaslate，andwewouldgetwetoutthere。
`Inaminutewecome，\'Antoniacalledbacktoher。
`Ilikeyourgrandmother，andallthingshere，\'shesighed。
`Iwishmypapalivetoseethissummer。Iwishnowinterevercomeagain。\'
`Itwillbesummeralongwhileyet，\'Ireassuredher。
`Whyaren\'tyoualwaysnicelikethis，Tony？\'
`Hownice？\'
`Why，justlikethis；likeyourself。WhydoyouallthetimetrytobelikeAmbrosch？\'
Sheputherarmsunderherheadandlayback，lookingupatthesky。
`IfIlivehere，likeyou，thatisdifferent。Thingswillbeeasyforyou。
Buttheywillbehardforus。\'
EndofBookI
BOOKIITheHiredGirlsI
IHADBEENLIVINGwithmygrandfatherfornearlythreeyearswhenhedecidedtomovetoBlackHawk。Heandgrandmotherweregettingoldfortheheavyworkofafarm，andasIwasnowthirteentheythoughtIoughttobegoingtoschool。
Accordinglyourhomesteadwasrentedto`thatgoodwoman，theWidowSteavens，\'andherbachelorbrother，andweboughtPreacherWhite\'shouse，atthenorthendofBlackHawk。
Thiswasthefirsttownhouseonepasseddrivinginfromthefarm，alandmarkwhichtoldcountrypeopletheirlongridewasover。
WeweretomovetoBlackHawkinMarch，andassoonasgrandfatherhadfixedthedateheletJakeandOttoknowofhisintention。
Ottosaidhewouldnotbelikelytofindanotherplacethatsuitedhimsowell；thathewastiredoffarmingandthoughthewouldgobacktowhathecalledthe`wildWest。\'
JakeMarpole，luredbyOtto\'sstoriesofadventure，decidedtogowithhim。WedidourbesttodissuadeJake。
Hewassohandicappedbyilliteracyandbyhistrustingdispositionthathewouldbeaneasypreytosharpers。
Grandmotherbeggedhimtostayamongkindly，Christianpeople，wherehewasknown；buttherewasnoreasoningwithhim。
Hewantedtobeaprospector。HethoughtasilverminewaswaitingforhiminColorado。
JakeandOttoservedustothelast。Theymovedusintotown，putdownthecarpetsinournewhouse，madeshelvesandcupboardsforgrandmother\'skitchen，andseemedloathtoleaveus。
Butatlasttheywent，withoutwarning。Thosetwofellowshadbeenfaithfultousthroughsunandstorm，hadgivenusthingsthatcannotbeboughtinanymarketintheworld。
Withmetheyhadbeenlikeolderbrothers；hadrestrainedtheirspeechandmannersoutofcareforme，andgivenmesomuchgoodcomradeship。Nowtheygotonthewestboundtrainonemorning，intheirSundayclothes，withtheiroilclothvalises——andI
neversawthemagain。MonthsafterwardwegotacardfromOtto，sayingthatJakehadbeendownwithmountainfever，butnowtheywerebothworkingintheYankeeGirlMine，andweredoingwell。
Iwrotetothematthataddress，butmyletterwasreturnedtome，`Unclaimed。\'Afterthatweneverheardfromthem。
BlackHawk，thenewworldinwhichwehadcometolive，wasaclean，well-plantedlittleprairietown，withwhitefencesandgoodgreenyardsaboutthedwellings，wide，dustystreets，andshapelylittletreesgrowingalongthewoodensidewalks。
Inthecentreofthetownthereweretworowsofnewbrick`store\'buildings，abrickschoolhouse，thecourt-house，andfourwhitechurches。Ourownhouselookeddownoverthetown，andfromourupstairswindowswecouldseethewindinglineoftheriverbluffs，twomilessouthofus。
Thatriverwastobemycompensationforthelostfreedomofthefarmingcountry。
WecametoBlackHawkinMarch，andbytheendofAprilwefeltliketownpeople。GrandfatherwasadeaconinthenewBaptistChurch，grandmotherwasbusywithchurchsuppersandmissionarysocieties，andIwasquiteanotherboy，orthoughtIwas。Suddenlyputdownamongboysofmyownage，IfoundIhadagreatdealtolearn。
Beforethespringtermofschoolwasover，Icouldfight，play`keeps，\'teasethelittlegirls，anduseforbiddenwordsaswellasanyboyinmyclass。
IwasrestrainedfromuttersavageryonlybythefactthatMrs。Harling，ournearestneighbour，keptaneyeonme，andifmybehaviourwentbeyondcertainboundsIwasnotpermittedtocomeintoheryardortoplaywithherjollychildren。
Wesawmoreofourcountryneighboursnowthanwhenwelivedonthefarm。
Ourhousewasaconvenientstopping-placeforthem。Wehadabigbarnwherethefarmerscouldputuptheirteams，andtheirwomenfolkmoreoftenaccompaniedthem，nowthattheycouldstaywithusfordinner，andrestandsettheirbonnetsrightbeforetheywentshopping。
Themoreourhousewaslikeacountryhotel，thebetterIlikedit。
Iwasglad，whenIcamehomefromschoolatnoon，toseeafarm-wagonstandinginthebackyard，andIwasalwaysreadytorundowntowntogetbeefsteakorbaker\'sbreadforunexpectedcompany。
AllthroughthatfirstspringandsummerIkepthopingthatAmbroschwouldbringAntoniaandYulkatoseeournewhouse。
Iwantedtoshowthemourredplushfurniture，andthetrumpet-blowingcherubstheGermanpaperhangerhadputonourparlourceiling。
WhenAmbroschcametotown，however，hecamealone，andthoughheputhishorsesinourbarn，hewouldneverstayfordinner，ortellusanythingabouthismotherandsisters。Ifweranoutandquestionedhimashewasslippingthroughtheyard，hewouldmerelyworkhisshouldersaboutinhiscoatandsay，`Theyallright，Iguess。\'
Mrs。Steavens，whonowlivedonourfarm，grewasfondofAntoniaaswehadbeen，andalwaysbroughtusnewsofher。Allthroughthewheatseason，shetoldus，Ambroschhiredhissisteroutlikeaman，andshewentfromfarmtofarm，bindingsheavesorworkingwiththethreshers。
Thefarmerslikedherandwerekindtoher；saidtheywouldratherhaveherforahandthanAmbrosch。WhenfallcameshewastohuskcornfortheneighboursuntilChristmas，asshehaddonetheyearbefore；
butgrandmothersavedherfromthisbygettingheraplacetoworkwithourneighbours，theHarlings。
II
GRANDMOTHEROFTENSAIDTHATifshehadtoliveintown，shethankedGodshelivednexttheHarlings。Theyhadbeenfarmingpeople，likeourselves，andtheirplacewaslikealittlefarm，withabigbarnandagarden，andanorchardandgrazinglots——evenawindmill。
TheHarlingswereNorwegians，andMrs。HarlinghadlivedinChristianiauntilshewastenyearsold。HerhusbandwasborninMinnesota。
Hewasagrainmerchantandcattle-buyer，andwasgenerallyconsideredthemostenterprisingbusinessmaninourcounty。
Hecontrolledalineofgrainelevatorsinthelittletownsalongtherailroadtothewestofus，andwasawayfromhomeagreatdeal。
Inhisabsencehiswifewastheheadofthehousehold。
Mrs。Harlingwasshortandsquareandsturdy-looking，likeherhouse。Everyinchofherwaschargedwithanenergythatmadeitselffeltthemomentsheenteredaroom。
Herfacewasrosyandsolid，withbright，twinklingeyesandastubbornlittlechin。Shewasquicktoanger，quicktolaughter，andjollyfromthedepthsofhersoul。
HowwellIrememberherlaugh；ithadinitthesamesuddenrecognitionthatflashedintohereyes，wasaburstofhumour，shortandintelligent。Herrapidfootstepsshookherownfloors，andsheroutedlassitudeandindifferencewherevershecame。
Shecouldnotbenegativeorperfunctoryaboutanything。
Herenthusiasm，andherviolentlikesanddislikes，assertedthemselvesinalltheeverydayoccupationsoflife。
Wash-daywasinteresting，neverdreary，attheHarlings\'。
Preserving-timewasaprolongedfestival，andhouse-cleaningwaslikearevolution。WhenMrs。Harlingmadegardenthatspring，wecouldfeelthestirofherundertakingthroughthewillowhedgethatseparatedourplacefromhers。
ThreeoftheHarlingchildrenwerenearmeinage。Charley，theonlyson——
theyhadlostanolderboy——wassixteen；Julia，whowasknownasthemusicalone，wasfourteenwhenIwas；andSally，thetomboywithshorthair，wasayearyounger。ShewasnearlyasstrongasI，anduncannilycleveratallboys\'sports。Sallywasawildthing，withsunburnedyellowhair，bobbedaboutherears，andabrownskin，forsheneverworeahat。
Sheracedallovertownononerollerskate，oftencheatedat`keeps，\'
butwassuchaquickshotonecouldn\'tcatchheratit。
Thegrown-updaughter，Frances，wasaveryimportantpersoninourworld。
Shewasherfather\'schiefclerk，andvirtuallymanagedhisBlackHawkofficeduringhisfrequentabsences。Becauseofherunusualbusinessability，hewassternandexactingwithher。Hepaidheragoodsalary，butshehadfewholidaysandnevergotawayfromherresponsibilities。
EvenonSundaysshewenttotheofficetoopenthemailandreadthemarkets。
WithCharley，whowasnotinterestedinbusiness，butwasalreadypreparingforAnnapolis，Mr。Harlingwasveryindulgent；boughthimgunsandtoolsandelectricbatteries，andneveraskedwhathedidwiththem。
Franceswasdark，likeherfather，andquiteastall。
Inwintersheworeasealskincoatandcap，andsheandMr。Harlingusedtowalkhometogetherintheevening，talkingaboutgrain-carsandcattle，liketwomen。Sometimesshecameovertoseegrandfatheraftersupper，andhervisitsflatteredhim。
MorethanoncetheyputtheirwitstogethertorescuesomeunfortunatefarmerfromtheclutchesofWickCutter，theBlackHawkmoney-lender。GrandfathersaidFrancesHarlingwasasgoodajudgeofcreditsasanybankerinthecounty。
Thetwoorthreemenwhohadtriedtotakeadvantageofherinadealacquiredcelebritybytheirdefeat。Shekneweveryfarmerformilesabout:howmuchlandhehadundercultivation，howmanycattlehewasfeeding，whathisliabilitieswere。
Herinterestinthesepeoplewasmorethanabusinessinterest。
Shecarriedthemallinhermindasiftheywerecharactersinabookoraplay。
WhenFrancesdroveoutintothecountryonbusiness，shewouldgomilesoutofherwaytocallonsomeoftheoldpeople，ortoseethewomenwhoseldomgottotown。
ShewasquickatunderstandingthegrandmotherswhospokenoEnglish，andthemostreticentanddistrustfulofthemwouldtellhertheirstorywithoutrealizingtheyweredoingso。
Shewenttocountryfuneralsandweddingsinallweathers。
Afarmer\'sdaughterwhowastobemarriedcouldcountonaweddingpresentfromFrancesHarling。
InAugusttheHarlings\'Danishcookhadtoleavethem。
GrandmotherentreatedthemtotryAntonia。ShecorneredAmbroschthenexttimehecametotown，andpointedouttohimthatanyconnectionwithChristianHarlingwouldstrengthenhiscreditandbeofadvantagetohim。
OneSundayMrs。HarlingtookthelongrideouttotheShimerdas\'
withFrances。Shesaidshewantedtosee`whatthegirlcamefrom\'andtohaveaclearunderstandingwithhermother。
Iwasinouryardwhentheycamedrivinghome，justbeforesunset。
Theylaughedandwavedtomeastheypassed，andIcouldseetheywereingreatgoodhumour。Aftersupper，whengrandfathersetofftochurch，grandmotherandItookmyshortcutthroughthewillowhedgeandwentovertohearaboutthevisittotheShimerdas\'。
WefoundMrs。HarlingwithCharleyandSallyonthefrontporch，restingafterherharddrive。Juliawasinthehammock——
shewasfondofrepose——andFranceswasatthepiano，playingwithoutalightandtalkingtohermotherthroughtheopenwindow。
Mrs。Harlinglaughedwhenshesawuscoming。`Iexpectyouleftyourdishesonthetabletonight，Mrs。Burden，\'shecalled。
Francesshutthepianoandcameouttojoinus。
TheyhadlikedAntoniafromtheirfirstglimpseofher；
felttheyknewexactlywhatkindofgirlshewas。
AsforMrs。Shimerda，theyfoundherveryamusing。
Mrs。Harlingchuckledwhenevershespokeofher。`IexpectIammoreathomewiththatsortofbirdthanyouare，Mrs。Burden。
They\'reapair，Ambroschandthatoldwoman！\'
TheyhadhadalongargumentwithAmbroschaboutAntonia\'sallowanceforclothesandpocket-money。Itwashisplanthateverycentofhissister\'swagesshouldbepaidovertohimeachmonth，andhewouldprovideherwithsuchclothingashethoughtnecessary。
WhenMrs。HarlingtoldhimfirmlythatshewouldkeepfiftydollarsayearforAntonia\'sownuse，hedeclaredtheywantedtotakehissistertotownanddressherupandmakeafoolofher。
Mrs。HarlinggaveusalivelyaccountofAmbrosch\'sbehaviourthroughouttheinterview；howhekeptjumpingupandputtingonhiscapasifhewerethroughwiththewholebusiness，andhowhismothertweakedhiscoat-tailandpromptedhiminBohemian。
Mrs。HarlingfinallyagreedtopaythreedollarsaweekforAntonia\'sservices——goodwagesinthosedays——andtokeepherinshoes。Therehadbeenhotdisputeabouttheshoes，Mrs。ShimerdafinallysayingpersuasivelythatshewouldsendMrs。Harlingthreefatgeeseeveryyearto`makeeven。\'
AmbroschwastobringhissistertotownnextSaturday。
`She\'llbeawkwardandroughatfirst，likeenough，\'grandmothersaidanxiously，`butunlessshe\'sbeenspoiledbythehardlifeshe\'sled，shehasitinhertobearealhelpfulgirl。\'
Mrs。Harlinglaughedherquick，decidedlaugh。`Oh，I\'mnotworrying，Mrs。Burden！Icanbringsomethingoutofthatgirl。
She\'sbarelyseventeen，nottoooldtolearnnewways。
She\'sgood-looking，too！\'sheaddedwarmly。
Francesturnedtograndmother。`Oh，yes，Mrs。Burden，youdidn\'ttellusthat！Shewasworkinginthegardenwhenwegotthere，barefootandragged。Butshehassuchfinebrownlegsandarms，andsplendidcolourinhercheeks——likethosebigdarkredplums。\'
Wewerepleasedatthispraise。Grandmotherspokefeelingly。
`Whenshefirstcametothiscountry，Frances，andhadthatgenteeloldmantowatchoverher，shewasasprettyagirlaseverIsaw。But，dearme，whatalifeshe\'sled，outinthefieldswiththoseroughthreshers！
ThingswouldhavebeenverydifferentwithpoorAntoniaifherfatherhadlived。\'
TheHarlingsbeggedustotellthemaboutMr。Shimerda\'sdeathandthebigsnowstorm。Bythetimewesawgrandfathercominghomefromchurch，wehadtoldthemprettymuchallweknewoftheShimerdas。
`Thegirlwillbehappyhere，andshe\'llforgetthosethings，\'
saidMrs。Harlingconfidently，aswerosetotakeourleave。
III
ONSATURDAYAMBROSCHdroveuptothebackgate，andAntoniajumpeddownfromthewagonandranintoourkitchenjustassheusedtodo。
Shewaswearingshoesandstockings，andwasbreathlessandexcited。
Shegavemeaplayfulshakebytheshoulders。`Youain\'tforgetaboutme，Jim？\'
Grandmotherkissedher。`Godblessyou，child！Nowyou\'vecome，youmusttrytodorightandbeacredittous。\'
Antonialookedeagerlyaboutthehouseandadmiredeverything。
`MaybeIbethekindofgirlyoulikebetter；nowIcometotown，\'
shesuggestedhopefully。
HowgooditwastohaveAntonianearusagain；toseehereverydayandalmosteverynight！Hergreatestfault，Mrs。Harlingfound，wasthatshesooftenstoppedherworkandfelltoplayingwiththechildren。Shewouldraceabouttheorchardwithus，ortakesidesinourhay-fightsinthebarn，orbetheoldbearthatcamedownfromthemountainandcarriedoffNina。
TonylearnedEnglishsoquicklythatbythetimeschoolbeganshecouldspeakaswellasanyofus。
IwasjealousofTony\'sadmirationforCharleyHarling。
Becausehewasalwaysfirstinhisclassesatschool，andcouldmendthewater-pipesorthedoorbellandtaketheclocktopieces，sheseemedtothinkhimasortofprince。
NothingthatCharleywantedwastoomuchtroubleforher。
Shelovedtoputuplunchesforhimwhenhewenthunting，tomendhisball-glovesandsewbuttonsonhisshooting-coat，bakedthekindofnut-cakeheliked，andfedhissetterdogwhenhewasawayontripswithhisfather。Antoniahadmadeherselfclothworking-slippersoutofMr。Harling\'soldcoats，andintheseshewentpaddingaboutafterCharley，fairlypantingwitheagernesstopleasehim。
NexttoCharley，IthinkshelovedNinabest。Ninawasonlysix，andshewasrathermorecomplexthantheotherchildren。
Shewasfanciful，hadallsortsofunspokenpreferences，andwaseasilyoffended。Attheslightestdisappointmentordispleasure，hervelvetybrowneyesfilledwithtears，andshewouldliftherchinandwalksilentlyaway。
Ifweranafterherandtriedtoappeaseher，itdidnogood。
Shewalkedonunmollified。IusedtothinkthatnoeyesintheworldcouldgrowsolargeorholdsomanytearsasNina\'s。Mrs。HarlingandAntoniainvariablytookherpart。
Wewerenevergivenachancetoexplain。Thechargewassimply:
`YouhavemadeNinacry。Now，Jimmycangohome，andSallymustgetherarithmetic。\'IlikedNina，too；shewassoquaintandunexpected，andhereyeswerelovely；butIoftenwantedtoshakeher。
WehadjollyeveningsattheHarlings\'whenthefatherwasaway。
Ifhewasathome，thechildrenhadtogotobedearly，ortheycameovertomyhousetoplay。Mr。Harlingnotonlydemandedaquiethouse，hedemandedallhiswife\'sattention。
Heusedtotakeherawaytotheirroominthewestell，andtalkoverhisbusinesswithherallevening。
Thoughwedidnotrealizeitthen，Mrs。Harlingwasouraudiencewhenweplayed，andwealwayslookedtoherforsuggestions。
Nothingflatteredonelikeherquicklaugh。
Mr。Harlinghadadeskinhisbedroom，andhisowneasy-chairbythewindow，inwhichnooneelseeversat。
Onthenightswhenhewasathome，Icouldseehisshadowontheblind，anditseemedtomeanarrogantshadow。
Mrs。Harlingpaidnoheedtoanyoneelseifhewasthere。
Beforehewenttobedshealwaysgothimalunchofsmokedsalmonoranchoviesandbeer。Hekeptanalcohollampinhisroom，andaFrenchcoffee-pot，andhiswifemadecoffeeforhimatanyhourofthenighthehappenedtowantit。
MostBlackHawkfathershadnopersonalhabitsoutsidetheirdomesticones；theypaidthebills，pushedthebaby-carriageafterofficehours，movedthesprinkleraboutoverthelawn，andtookthefamilydrivingonSunday。Mr。Harling，therefore，seemedtomeautocraticandimperialinhisways。
Hewalked，talked，putonhisgloves，shookhands，likeamanwhofeltthathehadpower。Hewasnottall，buthecarriedhisheadsohaughtilythathelookedacommandingfigure，andtherewassomethingdaringandchallenginginhiseyes。
Iusedtoimaginethatthe，nobles\'ofwhomAntoniawasalwaystalkingprobablylookedverymuchlikeChristianHarling，worecapedovercoatslikehis，andjustsuchaglitteringdiamonduponthelittlefinger。
Exceptwhenthefatherwasathome，theHarlinghousewasneverquiet。
Mrs。HarlingandNinaandAntoniamadeasmuchnoiseasahousefulofchildren，andtherewasusuallysomebodyatthepiano。Juliawastheonlyonewhowashelddowntoregularhoursofpractising，buttheyallplayed。
WhenFrancescamehomeatnoon，sheplayeduntildinnerwasready。
WhenSallygotbackfromschool，shesatdowninherhatandcoatanddrummedtheplantationmelodiesthatNegrominstreltroupesbroughttotown。
EvenNinaplayedtheSwedishWeddingMarch。
Mrs。Harlinghadstudiedthepianounderagoodteacher，andsomehowshemanagedtopractiseeveryday。
IsoonlearnedthatifIweresentoveronanerrandandfoundMrs。Harlingatthepiano，Imustsitdownandwaitquietlyuntilsheturnedtome。Icanseeheratthismoment:
hershort，squarepersonplantedfirmlyonthestool，herlittlefathandsmovingquicklyandneatlyoverthekeys，hereyesfixedonthemusicwithintelligentconcentration。
IV
`Iwon\'thavenoneofyourweevilywheat，andIwon\'thavenoneofyourbarley，ButI\'lltakeameasureoffinewhiteflour，tomakeacakeforCharley。\'
WEWERESINGINGrhymestoteaseAntoniawhileshewasbeatinguponeofCharley\'sfavouritecakesinherbigmixing-bowl。
Itwasacrispautumnevening，justcoldenoughtomakeonegladtoquitplayingtagintheyard，andretreatintothekitchen。
Wehadbeguntorollpopcornballswithsyrupwhenweheardaknockatthebackdoor，andTonydroppedherspoonandwenttoopenit。
Aplump，fair-skinnedgirlwasstandinginthedoorway。
Shelookeddemureandpretty，andmadeagracefulpictureinherbluecashmeredressandlittlebluehat，withaplaidshawldrawnneatlyabouthershouldersandaclumsypocket-bookinherhand。
`Hello，Tony。Don\'tyouknowme？\'sheaskedinasmooth，lowvoice，lookinginatusarchly。
Antoniagaspedandsteppedback。
`Why，it\'sLena！OfcourseIdidn\'tknowyou，sodressedup！\'
LenaLingardlaughed，asifthispleasedher。Ihadnotrecognizedherforamoment，either。Ihadneverseenherbeforewithahatonherhead——orwithshoesandstockingsonherfeet，forthatmatter。
Andhereshewas，brushedandsmoothedanddressedlikeatowngirl，smilingatuswithperfectcomposure。
`Hello，Jim，\'shesaidcarelesslyasshewalkedintothekitchenandlookedabouther。`I\'vecometotowntowork，too，Tony。\'
`Haveyou，now？Well，ain\'tthatfunny“Antoniastoodillatease，anddidn\'tseemtoknowjustwhattodowithhervisitor。
Thedoorwasopenintothedining-room，whereMrs。HarlingsatcrochetingandFranceswasreading。FrancesaskedLenatocomeinandjointhem。
`YouareLenaLingard，aren\'tyou？I\'vebeentoseeyourmother，butyouwereoffherdingcattlethatday。Mama，thisisChrisLingard\'soldestgirl。\'
Mrs。Harlingdroppedherworstedandexaminedthevisitorwithquick，keeneyes。Lenawasnotatalldisconcerted。
ShesatdowninthechairFrancespointedout，carefullyarrangingherpocket-bookandgreycottonglovesonherlap。
Wefollowedwithourpopcorn，butAntoniahungback——
saidshehadtogethercakeintotheoven。
`Soyouhavecometotown，\'saidMrs。Harling，hereyesstillfixedonLena。
`Whereareyouworking？\'
`ForMrs。Thomas，thedressmaker。Sheisgoingtoteachmetosew。
ShesaysIhavequiteaknack。I\'mthroughwiththefarm。Thereain\'tanyendtotheworkonafarm，andalwayssomuchtroublehappens。
I\'mgoingtobeadressmaker。\'
`Well，therehavetobedressmakers。It\'sagoodtrade。ButIwouldn\'trundownthefarm，ifIwereyou，\'saidMrs。Harlingratherseverely。
`Howisyourmother？\'
`Oh，mother\'sneververywell；shehastoomuchtodo。
She\'dgetawayfromthefarm，too，ifshecould。
Shewaswillingformetocome。AfterIlearntodosewing，Icanmakemoneyandhelpher。\'
`Seethatyoudon\'tforgetto，\'saidMrs。Harlingsceptically，asshetookuphercrochetingagainandsentthehookinandoutwithnimblefingers。
`No，\'m，Iwon\'t，\'saidLenablandly。Shetookafewgrainsofthepopcornwepresseduponher，eatingthemdiscreetlyandtakingcarenottogetherfingerssticky。
Francesdrewherchairupnearertothevisitor。`Ithoughtyouweregoingtobemarried，Lena，\'shesaidteasingly。
`Didn\'tIhearthatNickSvendsenwasrushingyouprettyhard？\'
Lenalookedupwithhercuriouslyinnocentsmile。`Hedidgowithmequiteawhile。Buthisfathermadeafussaboutitandsaidhewouldn\'tgiveNickanylandifhemarriedme，sohe\'sgoingtomarryAnnieIverson。
Iwouldn\'tliketobeher；Nick\'sawfulsullen，andhe\'lltakeitoutonher。
Heain\'tspoketohisfathersincehepromised。\'
Franceslaughed。`Andhowdoyoufeelaboutit？\'
`Idon\'twanttomarryNick，oranyotherman，\'Lenamurmured。
`I\'veseenagooddealofmarriedlife，andIdon\'tcareforit。
IwanttobesoIcanhelpmymotherandthechildrenathome，andnothavetoaskliefofanybody。\'
`That\'sright，\'saidFrances。`AndMrs。Thomasthinksyoucanlearndressmaking？\'
`Yes，\'m。I\'vealwayslikedtosew，butIneverhadmuchtodowith。
Mrs。Thomasmakeslovelythingsforallthetownladies。
DidyouknowMrs。Gardenerishavingapurplevelvetmade？
ThevelvetcamefromOmaha。My，butit\'slovely！\'
Lenasighedsoftlyandstrokedhercashmerefolds。
`TonyknowsIneverdidlikeout-of-doorwork，\'sheadded。
Mrs。Harlingglancedather。`Iexpectyou\'lllearntosewallright，Lena，ifyou\'llonlykeepyourheadandnotgogaddingabouttodancesallthetimeandneglectyourwork，thewaysomecountrygirlsdo。\'
`Yes，\'m。TinySoderballiscomingtotown，too。She\'sgoingtoworkattheBoys\'HomeHotel。She\'llseelotsofstrangers，\'
Lenaaddedwistfully。
`Toomany，likeenough，\'saidMrs。Harling。`Idon\'tthinkahotelisagoodplaceforagirl；thoughIguessMrs。Gardenerkeepsaneyeonherwaitresses。\'
Lena\'scandideyes，thatalwayslookedalittlesleepyundertheirlonglashes，keptstrayingaboutthecheerfulroomswithnaiveadmiration。
Presentlyshedrewonhercottongloves。`IguessImustbeleaving，\'
shesaidirresolutely。
Francestoldhertocomeagain，whenevershewaslonesomeorwantedadviceaboutanything。Lenarepliedthatshedidn\'tbelieveshewouldevergetlonesomeinBlackHawk。
ShelingeredatthekitchendoorandbeggedAntoniatocomeandseeheroften。`I\'vegotaroomofmyownatMrs。Thomas\'s，withacarpet。\'
Tonyshuffleduneasilyinherclothslippers。`I\'llcomesometime，butMrs。Harlingdon\'tliketohavemerunmuch，\'shesaidevasively。
`Youcandowhatyoupleasewhenyougoout，can\'tyou？\'
Lenaaskedinaguardedwhisper。`Ain\'tyoucrazyabouttown，Tony？
Idon\'tcarewhatanybodysays，I\'mdonewiththefarm！\'
Sheglancedbackoverhershouldertowardthedining-room，whereMrs。Harlingsat。
WhenLenawasgone，FrancesaskedAntoniawhyshehadn\'tbeenalittlemorecordialtoher。
`Ididn\'tknowifyourmotherwouldlikehercominghere，\'saidAntonia，lookingtroubled。`Shewaskindoftalkedabout，outthere。\'
`Yes，Iknow。Butmotherwon\'tholditagainstherifshebehaveswellhere。Youneedn\'tsayanythingaboutthattothechildren。
IguessJimhasheardallthatgossip？\'
WhenInodded，shepulledmyhairandtoldmeIknewtoomuch，anyhow。
Weweregoodfriends，FrancesandI。
IranhometotellgrandmotherthatLenaLingardhadcometotown。
Weweregladofit，forshehadahardlifeonthefarm。
LenalivedintheNorwegiansettlementwestofSquawCreek，andsheusedtoherdherfather\'scattleintheopencountrybetweenhisplaceandtheShimerdas\'。Wheneverwerodeoverinthatdirectionwesawheroutamonghercattle，bareheadedandbarefooted，scantilydressedintatteredclothing，alwaysknittingasshewatchedherherd。
BeforeIknewLena，Ithoughtofherassomethingwild，thatalwayslivedontheprairie，becauseIhadneverseenherunderaroof。
Heryellowhairwasburnedtoaruddythatchonherhead；butherlegsandarms，curiouslyenough，inspiteofconstantexposuretothesun，keptamiraculouswhitenesswhichsomehowmadeherseemmoreundressedthanothergirlswhowentscantilyclad。ThefirsttimeIstoppedtotalktoher，Iwasastonishedathersoftvoiceandeasy，gentleways。
Thegirlsoutthereusuallygotroughandmannishaftertheywenttoherding。
ButLenaaskedJakeandmetogetoffourhorsesandstayawhile，andbehavedexactlyasifshewereinahouseandwereaccustomedtohavingvisitors。
Shewasnotembarrassedbyherraggedclothes，andtreatedusasifwewereoldacquaintances。EventhenInoticedtheunusualcolourofhereyes——
ashadeofdeepviolet——andtheirsoft，confidingexpression。
ChrisLingardwasnotaverysuccessfulfarmer，andhehadalargefamily。
Lenawasalwaysknittingstockingsforlittlebrothersandsisters，andeventheNorwegianwomen，whodisapprovedofher，admittedthatshewasagooddaughtertohermother。AsTonysaid，shehadbeentalkedabout。
ShewasaccusedofmakingOleBensonlosethelittlesensehehad——
andthatatanagewhensheshouldstillhavebeeninpinafores。
Olelivedinaleakydugoutsomewhereattheedgeofthesettlement。
Hewasfatandlazyanddiscouraged，andbadluckhadbecomeahabitwithhim。Afterhehadhadeveryotherkindofmisfortune，hiswife，`CrazyMary，\'triedtosetaneighbour\'sbarnonfire，andwassenttotheasylumatLincoln。Shewaskeptthereforafewmonths，thenescapedandwalkedallthewayhome，nearlytwohundredmiles，travellingbynightandhidinginbarnsandhaystacksbyday。
WhenshegotbacktotheNorwegiansettlement，herpoorfeetwereashardashoofs。Shepromisedtobegood，andwasallowedtostayathome——thougheveryonerealizedshewasascrazyasever，andshestillranaboutbarefootedthroughthesnow，tellingherdomestictroublestoherneighbours。
NotlongafterMarycamebackfromtheasylum，IheardayoungDane，whowashelpingustothresh，tellJakeandOttothatChrisLingard\'soldestgirlhadputOleBensonoutofhishead，untilhehadnomoresensethanhiscrazywife。WhenOlewascultivatinghiscornthatsummer，heusedtogetdiscouragedinthefield，tieuphisteam，andwanderofftowhereverLenaLingardwasherding。
Therehewouldsitdownonthedrawsideandhelpherwatchhercattle。
Allthesettlementwastalkingaboutit。TheNorwegianpreacher\'swifewenttoLenaandtoldhersheoughtnottoallowthis；
shebeggedLenatocometochurchonSundays。Lenasaidshehadn\'tadressintheworldanylessraggedthantheoneonherback。
Thentheminister\'swifewentthroughheroldtrunksandfoundsomethingsshehadwornbeforehermarriage。
ThenextSundayLenaappearedatchurch，alittlelate，withherhairdoneupneatlyonherhead，likeayoungwoman，wearingshoesandstockings，andthenewdress，whichshehadmadeoverforherselfverybecomingly。Thecongregationstaredather。
Untilthatmorningnoone——unlessitwereOle——hadrealizedhowprettyshewas，orthatshewasgrowingup。Theswellinglinesofherfigurehadbeenhiddenundertheshapelessragssheworeinthefields。
Afterthelasthymnhadbeensung，andthecongregationwasdismissed，Oleslippedouttothehitch-barandliftedLenaonherhorse。
That，initself，wasshocking；amarriedmanwasnotexpectedtodosuchthings。Butitwasnothingtothescenethatfollowed。
CrazyMarydartedoutfromthegroupofwomenatthechurchdoor，andrandowntheroadafterLena，shoutinghorriblethreats。
`Lookout，youLenaLingard，lookout！I\'llcomeoverwithacorn-knifeonedayandtrimsomeofthatshapeoffyou。
Thenyouwon\'tsailroundsofine，makingeyesatthemen！……\'
TheNorwegianwomendidn\'tknowwheretolook。Theywereformalhousewives，mostofthem，withaseveresenseofdecorum。
ButLenaLingardonlylaughedherlazy，good-naturedlaughandrodeon，gazingbackoverhershoulderatOle\'sinfuriatedwife。
Thetimecame，however，whenLenadidn\'tlaugh。MorethanonceCrazyMarychasedheracrosstheprairieandroundandroundtheShimerdas\'cornfield。
Lenanevertoldherfather；perhapsshewasashamed；perhapsshewasmoreafraidofhisangerthanofthecorn-knife。IwasattheShimerdas\'
oneafternoonwhenLenacameboundingthroughtheredgrassasfastasherwhitelegscouldcarryher。SheranstraightintothehouseandhidinAntonia\'sfeather-bed。Marywasnotfarbehind:
shecamerightuptothedoorandmadeusfeelhowsharpherbladewas，showingusverygraphicallyjustwhatshemeanttodotoLena。
Mrs。Shimerda，leaningoutofthewindow，enjoyedthesituationkeenly，andwassorrywhenAntoniasentMaryaway，mollifiedbyanapronfulofbottle-tomatoes。LenacameoutfromTony\'sroombehindthekitchen，verypinkfromtheheatofthefeathers，butotherwisecalm。
ShebeggedAntoniaandmetogowithher，andhelpgethercattletogether；
theywerescatteredandmightbegorgingthemselvesinsomebody\'scornfield。
`Maybeyouloseasteerandlearnnottomakesomethingswithyoureyesatmarriedmen，\'Mrs。Shimerdatoldherhectoringly。
Lenaonlysmiledhersleepysmile。`Inevermadeanythingtohimwithmyeyes。Ican\'thelpitifhehangsaround，andIcan\'torderhimoff。
Itain\'tmyprairie。\'
V
AFTERLENACAMEToBlackHawk，Ioftenmetherdowntown，whereshewouldbematchingsewingsilkorbuying`findings\'forMrs。Thomas。
IfIhappenedtowalkhomewithher，shetoldmeallaboutthedressesshewashelpingtomake，oraboutwhatshesawandheardwhenshewaswithTinySoderballatthehotelonSaturdaynights。
TheBoys\'HomewasthebesthotelonourbranchoftheBurlington，andallthecommercialtravellersinthatterritorytriedtogetintoBlackHawkforSunday。TheyusedtoassembleintheparlouraftersupperonSaturdaynights。MarshallField\'sman，AnsonKirkpatrick，playedthepianoandsangallthelatestsentimentalsongs。
AfterTinyhadhelpedthecookwashthedishes，sheandLenasatontheothersideofthedoubledoorsbetweentheparlourandthedining-room，listeningtothemusicandgigglingatthejokesandstories。
LenaoftensaidshehopedIwouldbeatravellingmanwhenIgrewup。
Theyhadagaylifeofit；nothingtodobutrideaboutontrainsalldayandgototheatreswhentheywereinbigcities。
Behindthehoteltherewasanoldstorebuilding，wherethesalesmenopenedtheirbigtrunksandspreadouttheirsamplesonthecounters。
TheBlackHawkmerchantswenttolookatthesethingsandordergoods，andMrs。Thomas，thoughshewasIretailtrade，\'waspermittedtoseethemandto`getideas。\'Theywereallgenerous，thesetravellingmen；
theygaveTinySoderballhandkerchiefsandglovesandribbonsandstripedstockings，andsomanybottlesofperfumeandcakesofscentedsoapthatshebestowedsomeofthemonLena。
OneafternoonintheweekbeforeChristmas，IcameuponLenaandherfunny，square-headedlittlebrotherChris，standingbeforethedrugstore，gazinginatthewaxdollsandblocksandNoah\'sArksarrangedinthefrostyshowwindow。TheboyhadcometotownwithaneighbourtodohisChristmasshopping，forhehadmoneyofhisownthisyear。
Hewasonlytwelve，butthatwinterhehadgotthejobofsweepingouttheNorwegianchurchandmakingthefireiniteverySundaymorning。
Acoldjobitmusthavebeen，too！
WewentintoDuckford\'sdry-goodsstore，andChrisunwrappedallhispresentsandshowedthemtomesomethingforeachofthesixyoungerthanhimself，evenarubberpigforthebaby。
LenahadgivenhimoneofTinySoderball\'sbottlesofperfumeforhismother，andhethoughthewouldgetsomehandkerchiefstogowithit。Theywerecheap，andhehadn\'tmuchmoneyleft。
WefoundatablefulofhandkerchiefsspreadoutforviewatDuckford\'s。Chriswantedthosewithinitiallettersinthecorner，becausehehadneverseenanybefore。
Hestudiedthemseriously，whileLenalookedoverhisshoulder，tellinghimshethoughttheredletterswouldholdtheircolourbest。
HeseemedsoperplexedthatIthoughtperhapshehadn\'tenoughmoney，afterall。Presentlyhesaidgravely:
`Sister，youknowmother\'snameisBerthe。Idon\'tknowifI
oughttogetBforBerthe，orMforMother。\'
Lenapattedhisbristlyhead。`I\'dgettheB，Chrissy。
Itwillpleaseherforyoutothinkabouthername。
Nobodyevercallsherbyitnow。\'
Thatsatisfiedhim。Hisfaceclearedatonce，andhetookthreeredsandthreeblues。Whentheneighbourcameintosaythatitwastimetostart，LenawoundChris\'scomforterabouthisneckandturneduphisjacketcollar——hehadnoovercoat——
andwewatchedhimclimbintothewagonandstartonhislong，colddrive。Aswewalkedtogetherupthewindystreet，Lenawipedhereyeswiththebackofherwoollenglove。
`Igetawfulhomesickforthem，allthesame，\'shemurmured，asifshewereansweringsomerememberedreproach。
VI
WINTERCOMESDOWNSAVAGELYoveralittletownontheprairie。
Thewindthatsweepsinfromtheopencountrystripsawayalltheleafyscreensthathideoneyardfromanotherinsummer，andthehousesseemtodrawclosertogether。Theroofs，thatlookedsofarawayacrossthegreentree-tops，nowstareyouintheface，andtheyaresomuchuglierthanwhentheiranglesweresoftenedbyvinesandshrubs。
Inthemorning，whenIwasfightingmywaytoschoolagainstthewind，Icouldn\'tseeanythingbuttheroadinfrontofme；
butinthelateafternoon，whenIwascominghome，thetownlookedbleakanddesolatetome。Thepale，coldlightofthewintersunsetdidnotbeautify——itwaslikethelightoftruthitself。
Whenthesmokycloudshunglowinthewestandtheredsunwentdownbehindthem，leavingapinkflushonthesnowyroofsandthebluedrifts，thenthewindsprangupafresh，withakindofbittersong，asifitsaid:`Thisisreality，whetheryoulikeitornot。Allthosefrivolitiesofsummer，thelightandshadow，thelivingmaskofgreenthattrembledovereverything，theywerelies，andthisiswhatwasunderneath。
Thisisthetruth。\'Itwasasifwewerebeingpunishedforlovingthelovelinessofsummer。
IfIloiteredontheplaygroundafterschool，orwenttothepost-officeforthemailandlingeredtohearthegossipaboutthecigar-stand，itwouldbegrowingdarkbythetimeIcamehome。Thesunwasgone；
thefrozenstreetsstretchedlongandbluebeforeme；thelightswereshiningpaleinkitchenwindows，andIcouldsmellthesupperscookingasIpassed。Fewpeoplewereabroad，andeachoneofthemwashurryingtowardafire。Theglowingstovesinthehouseswerelikemagnets。
Whenonepassedanoldman，onecouldseenothingofhisfacebutarednosestickingoutbetweenafrostedbeardandalongplushcap。
Theyoungmencaperedalongwiththeirhandsintheirpockets，andsometimestriedaslideontheicysidewalk。Thechildren，intheirbrighthoodsandcomforters，neverwalked，butalwaysranfromthemomenttheylefttheirdoor，beatingtheirmittensagainsttheirsides。
WhenIgotasfarastheMethodistChurch，Iwasabouthalfwayhome。
IcanrememberhowgladIwaswhentherehappenedtobealightinthechurch，andthepaintedglasswindowshoneoutatusaswecamealongthefrozenstreet。Inthewinterbleaknessahungerforcolourcameoverpeople，liketheLaplander\'scravingforfatsandsugar。
Withoutknowingwhy，weusedtolingeronthesidewalkoutsidethechurchwhenthelampswerelightedearlyforchoirpracticeorprayer-meeting，shiveringandtalkinguntilourfeetwerelikelumpsofice。
Thecruderedsandgreensandbluesofthatcolouredglassheldusthere。
Onwinternights，thelightsintheHarlings\'windowsdrewmelikethepaintedglass。Insidethatwarm，roomyhousetherewascolour，too。
AftersupperIusedtocatchupmycap，stickmyhandsinmypockets，anddivethroughthewillowhedgeasifwitcheswereafterme。
Ofcourse，ifMr。Harlingwasathome，ifhisshadowstoodoutontheblindofthewestroom，Ididnotgoin，butturnedandwalkedhomebythelongway，throughthestreet，wonderingwhatbookI
shouldreadasIsatdownwiththetwooldpeople。
Suchdisappointmentsonlygavegreaterzesttothenightswhenweactedcharades，orhadacostumeballinthebackparlour，withSallyalwaysdressedlikeaboy。Francestaughtustodancethatwinter，andshesaid，fromthefirstlesson，thatAntoniawouldmakethebestdanceramongus。
OnSaturdaynights，Mrs。Harlingusedtoplaytheoldoperasforus——\'Martha，\'`Norma，\'`Rigoletto\'——tellingusthestorywhilesheplayed。EverySaturdaynightwaslikeaparty。
Theparlour，thebackparlour，andthedining-roomwerewarmandbrightlylighted，withcomfortablechairsandsofas，andgaypicturesonthewalls。Onealwaysfeltateasethere。
Antoniabroughthersewingandsatwithus——shewasalreadybeginningtomakeprettyclothesforherself。
Afterthelongwintereveningsontheprairie，withAmbrosch\'ssullensilencesandhermother\'scomplaints，theHarlings\'
houseseemed，asshesaid，`likeHeaven\'toher。
Shewasnevertootiredtomaketaffyorchocolatecookiesforus。
IfSallywhisperedinherear，orCharleygaveherthreewinks，Tonywouldrushintothekitchenandbuildafireintherangeonwhichshehadalreadycookedthreemealsthatday。
Whilewesatinthekitchenwaitingforthecookiestobakeorthetaffytocool，NinausedtocoaxAntoniatotellherstories——aboutthecalfthatbrokeitsleg，orhowYulkasavedherlittleturkeysfromdrowninginthefreshet，oraboutoldChristmasesandweddingsinBohemia。
Ninainterpretedthestoriesaboutthecrechefancifully，andinspiteofourderisionshecherishedabeliefthatChristwasborninBohemiaashorttimebeforetheShimerdasleftthatcountry。WealllikedTony\'sstories。Hervoicehadapeculiarlyengagingquality；itwasdeep，alittlehusky，andonealwaysheardthebreathvibratingbehindit。
Everythingshesaidseemedtocomerightoutofherheart。
Oneeveningwhenwewerepickingoutkernelsforwalnuttaffy，Tonytoldusanewstory。
`Mrs。Harling，didyoueverhearaboutwhathappenedupintheNorwegiansettlementlastsummer，whenIwasthreshingthere？
WewereatIversons\'，andIwasdrivingoneofthegrain-wagons。\'
Mrs。Harlingcameoutandsatdownamongus。`Couldyouthrowthewheatintothebinyourself，Tony？\'Sheknewwhatheavyworkitwas。
`Yes，ma\'m，Idid。IcouldshoveljustasfastasthatfatAndernboythatdrovetheotherwagon。Onedayitwasjustawfulhot。
Whenwegotbacktothefieldfromdinner，wetookthingskindofeasy。Themenputinthehorsesandgotthemachinegoing，andOleIversonwasuponthedeck，cuttingbands。Iwassittingagainstastraw-stack，tryingtogetsomeshade。Mywagonwasn\'tgoingoutfirst，andsomehowIfelttheheatawfulthatday。
Thesunwassohotlikeitwasgoingtoburntheworldup。
AfterawhileIseeamancomingacrossthestubble，andwhenhegotcloseIseeitwasatramp。Histoesstuckoutofhisshoes，andhehadn\'tshavedforalongwhile，andhiseyeswasawfulredandwild，likehehadsomesickness。
Hecomesrightupandbeginstotalklikeheknowsmealready。
Hesays:`Thepondsinthiscountryisdonegotsolowamancouldn\'tdrowndhimselfinoneof\'em。\'
`Itoldhimnobodywantedtodrowndthemselves，butifwedidn\'thaverainsoonwe\'dhavetopumpwaterforthecattle。
`“Oh，cattle，“hesays，“you\'llalltakecareofyourcattle！
Ain\'tyougotnobeerhere？“Itoldhimhe\'dhavetogototheBohemiansforbeer；theNorwegiansdidn\'thavenonewhentheythreshed。
“MyGod！“hesays，“soit\'sNorwegiansnow，isit？IthoughtthiswasAmericy。“
`ThenhegoesuptothemachineandyellsouttoOleIverson，“Hello，partner，letmeupthere。Icancutbands，andI\'mtiredoftrampin\'。Iwon\'tgonofarther。“
`ItriedtomakesignstoOle，\'causeIthoughtthatmanwascrazyandmightgetthemachinestoppedup。
ButOle，hewasgladtogetdownoutofthesunandchaff——
itgetsdownyourneckandstickstoyousomethingawfulwhenit\'shotlikethat。SoOlejumpeddownandcrawledunderoneofthewagonsforshade，andthetrampgotonthemachine。
