If my father had had the wisdom that John has, his boys
wouldn't be the one a poor lawyer and the other a poor doctor in two
different cities; and our farm wouldn't be in the hands of strangers. It
makes me sick to go there. I think of my poor mother lying with her
tired hands crossed out in the churchyard, and the boys so far away, and
my father always hurrying and driving us--I can tell you, Laura, the
thing cuts both ways. It isn't all the fault of the boys that they leave
the country."
Mrs. Wood was silent for a little while after she made this long speech,
and Miss Laura said nothing. I took a turn or two up and down the
stable, thinking of many things. No matter how happy human beings seem
to be, they always have something to worry them. I was sorry for Mrs.
Wood, for her face had lost the happy look it usually wore. However, she
soon forgot her trouble, and said:
"Now, I must go and get the tea. This is Adele's afternoon out."
"I'll come, too," said Miss Laura, "for I promised her I'd make the
biscuits for tea this evening and let you rest." They both sauntered
slowly down the plank walk to the house, and I followed them.
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