Rachel was laying the table for dinner at the time and looked up quickly at her husband.
"Pass that over to me," she said.
Luke looked at her a little doubtfully.
"Do you think you can manage it?" he asked.
Rachel laughed.
"Certainly I could. I am a little more intelligent than you give me credit for. Have all the people sent in their accounts?"
"No, that's just it. Sargent has never sent in his description of the Temperance Meeting, nor has Mrs. Lent of the Scripture Union Meeting. They are so often late. It means a good long walk as there is no time to send them cards to remind them of their duty. The manuscript ought to go in early to-morrow morning to the printer or the magazine will not be out in time. I should be thankful to have at least two quiet uninterrupted days; but then there are sick people to visit. I don't see how I can."
"You can quite well if you will only trust me," said Rachel, smoothing the table cloth. "You have never tried me."
"I wonder what my mother would say."
"What does it matter? I don't belong to your mother I belong to you. You must take the responsibility of me," she added laughing.