"The garden is beautiful," said Louise, enthusiastically. "And do you teach in the little brick school-house across the way?"
"Yes. Grandfather built it years ago, without dreaming I would ever teach there. Now the county supports the school and pays me my salary."
"How long have you taught?"
"For two years. It is necessary, now that grandfather is disabled. He has a small income remaining, however, and with what I earn we get along very nicely."
"It was very good of you to assist in getting our house ready for us," said Louise. "We might have found things in sorry condition but for your kindness."
"Oh, I enjoyed the work, I assure you," replied Ethel. "As it is my vacation, it was a real pleasure to me to have something to do. But I fear my arrangement of your pretty furniture was very ungraceful."
"We haven't altered a single thing," declared Louise. "You must have found it a tedious task, unpacking and getting everything in shape."
"Tom and Nora were good help, because they are fond of me and seem to understand my wishes; and Peggy McNutt brought me some men to do the lifting and rough work," explained Ethel.
"Have you known Hucks and his wife long?" asked Uncle John.
"Since I can remember, sir. They came here many years ago, with Captain
Wegg."