[CHAPTER II.]
"A BIRD IN THE BUSH."
It was while Patty was engaged in doing "the millinery of the cooking," that her first swain arrived. Social etiquette in Montfield was not rigid, and Patty was not at all surprised when the shadow of Burleigh Blood's broad shoulders fell upon the kitchen-floor, and that enamoured youth entered without the formality of knocking.
"Good-morning, Burleigh," she said, her eyes bright with the spark of merriment which always kindled when Mr. Blood appeared. "Can't shake hands with you without getting you all covered with flour."
"I shouldn't mind that much," he answered awkwardly.
"Sit down, please," she said. "I'm just done with these puffs. Isn't it a lovely day?"
"It is good growing weather for the corn."
"And for you," she laughed. "You get bigger and bigger every day."
"Do I?" he said disconsolately, looking from his big hand to the one she was wiping on the long snowy roller. "I am too big now."
"Nonsense—not for a man! I like to see a man big and strong."