II-II

Grandmother often said that if she had to
live in town, she thanked God she lived next
the Harlings. They had been farming people,
like ourselves, and their place was like a little
farm, with a big barn and a garden, and an
orchard and grazing lots, -- even a windmill.
The Harlings were Norwegians, and Mrs.
Harling had lived in Christiania until she
was ten years old. Her husband was born in
Minnesota. He was a grain merchant and
cattle buyer, and was generally considered
the most enterprising business man in our
county. He controlled a line of grain elevators
in the little towns along the railroad to the
west of us, and was away from home a great
deal. In his absence his wife was the head of
the household.

Mrs. Harling was short and square and
sturdy-looking, like her house. Every inch of
her was charged with an energy that made
itself felt the moment she entered a room.
Her face was rosy and solid, with bright,
twinkling eyes and a stubborn little chin. She

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v?