"Don't fret now, mammy," he said. "It has been pretty tough, but the worst is over."
XXX
A MORNING TALK
Hope rules a land forever green:
All powers that serve the bright-eyed queen
Are confident and gay.
Clouds at her bidding disappear;
Points she to aught? The bliss draws near,
And fancy rules the way.
—Wordsworth.
That was a wonderful day. But it may be remarked, that Mr. Kindred went home more than ever discontented with the length of the hill.
"Living up there," he said, "when we are all down here. It is too bad. How many times a month does Cherry walk down here in the sun?"
"She need not walk in the sun," said the girls, laughing at him. "There is shade all the way if she wants it. Why, she comes every day, you foolish boy."
"At what hour, generally, you foolish girl?"
"Oh, all sorts of times," said Violet; "after breakfast, and before dinner, and after tea. But they are both coming down to-day to dine with us."
"I think I will just go up and make sure they understand that," said Magnus. "Cherry does not always take up an idea as quick as she might."