And he bowed and said in his own expressive way:
"We will try to appreciate your kindness."
I knew then what the covered chairs meant, but I secretly wondered "How on airth," as Aunt Hildy used to say, all those moveables were to be got into our house. This thought was running through my head when Clara spoke, crossing the room as she did so, and taking my father's hand—and he was such a reserved man that no one else would ever have dreamed of doing so.
"Mr. Minot, I have not finished yet. Would you grant me one thing more? May I have a little bit of your ground on the west side of your house, say a piece not more than eighteen by twenty-five feet, with which to do just as I please?"
Father looked thunderstruck, as he answered:
"What can you do with it, Clara?"
"Yes, yes," he said in a dreamy way.
And mother looked up, to be met by the eyes which sought her own, while the sweet lips queried:
"Will you say so too if you like my plans?"