“Well, Ann Lizy'll be glad you've made up your mind to. She's gone to bakin',” said the old man in the window.
“I've got to bake some, too,” said Amanda. She began sweeping again.
“I've jest been over to Mis' Green's, an' she says she's goin' if you do,” said Mr. Babcock.
“Well, you tell her I'm goin',” said Amanda, with a long breath.
“I guess you'll have a good time,” said the old man, turning away. “I tell Ann Lizy she can stay a month if she wants to. Me an' the boys can git along.” He laughed a pleasant chuckle as he went off.
Amanda glanced after him. “I shouldn't care if I had a man to leave to look after the house,” said she.
Amanda toiled all day; she swept and dusted every room in her little domicile. She put all her bureau drawers and closets in exquisite order. She did not neglect even the cellar and the garret. Mrs. Babcock, looking in at night, found her rolling out sugar gingerbread.
“For the land sakes, Mandy!” said she, “what are you cookin' by lamp-light for this awful hot night?”
“I'm makin' a little short gingerbread for luncheon.”
“I don't see what you left it till this time of day for. What you got them irons on the stove for?”