She caught a gleam of new shingles through the trees.
"What have you been building?"
"O, nothing much—new granary—patchin' up a little," he replied evasively. When they whirled into the yard she was bewildered—the old cottage was gone and a new house stood in its place.
John broke into a laugh.
"How's that for a new granary?"
"O father, did you do that for me?"
"For you and me together, Rosie."
They sat in the carriage and looked at it. Rose peered through tear-blurred lids. He loved her so—this bent old father! He had torn down the old home and built this for her.
Her aunt came out on the side porch: "Hello, Rosie, just in time! The shortcake is about ready. Ain't you comin' in?"
John gave the team up to the hired hand (who stared at Rose with wondering eyes) and then they walked upon the front porch and in the front door. It was new—so new it glistened everywhere and was full of the fragrance of new lumber and the odor of paint.