'She is not long from the old country; I should like to have her if—if we can afford it. For if the dividends don't come soon from that building company, Cora, I don't know where to turn—'
'Oh, they must come. Father has been writing to Rufus about the arrangements. Besides, those Irish expect less, and understand old country manners better, if you can put up with their breakages.'
'I could put up with anything to please Henry, and save Minna's little hard-worked bones.'
'I will send her to-morrow. Is it not Minna's day of ague?'
'Yes, poor dear. That is always the day we get into trouble.'
'I never saw a child with such an instinct for preventing variance, or so full of tact and pretty ways; yet I have seen her tremble under her coaxing smile, that even Mis' Shillabeer can't resist.'
'See, see!' cried Ella, hurrying in, 'surely our contingent is not coming home!'
'No,' said Cora, hastening to the door, 'these must be a reinforcement marching to take the train at Winiamac.'
'Marching?' said Ella, looking up archly at her. 'We didn't let our volunteers march in that way.'
They were sturdy bearded backwoodsmen, rifle on shoulder, and with grave earnest faces; but walking rather than marching, irregularly keeping together, or straggling, as they chose.