"That's when Wad and Link—there's no need of her—I don't believe in girls digging potatoes!" Rufe stammered.
"O, but you know," cried Lill, "sometimes we shouldn't have any potatoes for dinner if I didn't go and dig them! I don't care, only it's such hard work!"
Vinnie looked admiringly at the bright, brave little girl. Rufe colored redder than ever, and said,—
"Don't you, now, do such a thing! Only let me know in season what's wanted; I'll be after those boys with a sharp stick!"
Vinnie couldn't help laughing.
"So, when we're going to want a handful of wood, a pail of water, or a basket of potatoes, I am to go for you, and you will go for the boys, and drive them up with your sharp stick! I don't think I shall like that. Wouldn't it be better for you to see that there are always potatoes in the bin, and wood in the box, and other things on hand that you know will be needed?"
It was perhaps quite as much her winning way as the good sense of this appeal which made it irresistible.
"Of course it would be better! I'll get you a basket of potatoes now, and some green corn, and I'll look out for the water and wood."
"O, thank you!" said Vinnie. "That will make things so much easier and pleasanter for all of us!"
The potatoes and corn were got with a cheerful alacrity which quite astonished Rufe's mother and sisters.