"I guess you'se find dat with all your readin' about strawberries and other yarbs."
"I hope so," said Edith with a sigh, "for I don't see how we are going to live here year after year."
"You'se be rich again. De men wid de long pusses ain't agoin' to look at your black eyes for nothin'," and Hannibal chuckled knowingly.
The color faintly deepened in Edith's cheeks, but she said with some scorn, "Men with long purses want girls with the same. But who are these?"
Coming up the path they saw a tall middle-aged woman, and by her side a young girl of about eighteen who was a marked contrast to her in appearance.
"Dey's his moder and sister. You will drive tings dis arternoon."
Mrs. Lacey and her daughter entered with some little hesitancy and embarrassment, but Edith, with the poise of an accomplished lady, at once put them at ease by saying:
"It is exceedingly kind of you to come and help, and I appreciate it very much."
"No one should refuse to be neighborly," said Mrs. Lacey quietly.
"And to tell the truth I was delighted to come," said Rose, "the winter has been so long and dull."