'Oh, nothing. But we ought not to stay here, ought we, as there is so much to do?'
And down they went, and to work with good-will. Mrs. Oakum was in the kitchen, examining with an eye of one who knew well the comfort of conveniences there; every thing needed was close at hand: a well of water by the door, a shed for the wood, and such a beauty of a milk-room, it almost smelled of cream and butter; and from the kitchen you could look out upon such a love of a garden-spot, large enough to raise all that a moderate-sized family could possibly want; while opening into it and near the house was a neat little stable, of sufficient size for a cow and a horse, with their provender.
'Some one,' said Mrs. Oakum, 'has contrived all this who knows what is needful for the comfort of a family.'
James was very active, and showed great skill in distributing the several articles into the different apartments.
'I guess,' said Susan, smiling archly, 'that one, who seems to know so well where things belong, must have had something to do in getting them: who knows,' said she, winking to Mary, 'but this house is for himself after all; and that eldest daughter he talks so much about is to be——. Dear sister, I know you are not well, you are so pale; you have worked too hard.'
'I am afraid she has,' said James, looking with much anxiety.
'Oh, not at all; I am very well;—but these things, had we not better be putting them in their places?'
'These must be all for one room; they are, you see, painted white and tipped with green,—the chairs, and the table, and washstand, they must be for that little upper room. Don't you think so Mary?' said Susan, catching up a chair.
'I think they would be suitable there,' said Mary.
'There they shall go then,' said James: and soon the little room was furnished.