“As usual, Belle’s voice in the matter carries the vote,” laughed Mrs. James.
“Well, then, let’s choose a site opposite the dining room window as I suggested and dig a winding stream from the lake to the water falls, to make it look picturesque. Then the little stream that runs from the falls to the stream down by the woodland will take its own course in getting there,” declared Norma.
“How high are we going to have the dam, Jimmy?” asked Frances.
“I do not know, but Mr. Ames is going to measure the highest depth of the lake over by the pines and then gauge it from that point down to the point opposite the dining room windows, as Norma just said. The difference between the highest point at the pines and the lowest point down by the ditch will be the height we must build the dam.”
“Dear me, I can see myself swinging in a hammock under those pine trees, with a box of candy, dreaming away the hours while listening to the musical tinkle of the water fall, eh, girls?” said Mrs. James, clasping her hands and rolling her eyes as they had often seen Norma do when she was particularly romantic.
The girls laughed and Janet retorted: “When anyone finds Jimmy taking life easy, it will be time to feel her pulse and take her temperature. Nothing but a fatal illness will ever stop her from being in six places at one time, and superintending every one on Green Hill Farm, while looking after her own affairs, too!”
The laugh that followed this remark was unceremoniously interrupted by Rachel’s call to breakfast. While the girls were concentrating their thoughts on doing full justice to Rachel’s culinary art, Sam knocked meekly at the door that led out to the side porch.
“Come right in, Sam,” called Mrs. James, and he came in bowing politely.
“I come to tell Miss Norma ’bout dis grass. Tompkins got dat new lawnmower from Noo York last night, and tol’ me to say it is waitin’ foh Frances to cart home. Jus’ as soon as it ’rives, dat grass it ought’a be mowed or it won’t be no good no more.”
“Thank you, Sam. Frances will bring the mower when she goes for the mail and then Norma will start at once to cut the grass,” replied Mrs. James, smiling at Sam. Having delivered his message, he bowed again and went out.