"He is up in the lot. Steve will show you, or, better yet, call him."
Then she led Kathie into the parlor. There were green paper shades at the windows, which softened the light in the room, and Kathie's first glance took in a world of improvements.
Sarah colored with a little conscious pride as she led her to a veritable modern sofa, instead of the old stiff one, worn at the edges.
"Take off your hat and sack," she said, with a touch of bashfulness.
Kathie complied.
"I am so glad to see you. I have such a host of things to tell you."
"And you have been out gathering violets. How pretty and spring-like they are!"
"Yes, Jim helped me. We thought you would like them so much. And I have been trying to—to get fixed up a little. It cannot be anything like your house, but somehow I want it as nice as I can make it. Jim is so good too, and Cousin Nelly; and I am so happy sometimes that I really wonder if I be I, like the old woman."
"I am very glad"; and Kathie gave the hand a squeeze in her own tender little fashion.