fully arranging her pocketbook and gray cot-
ton gloves on her lap. We followed with our
popcorn, but Antonia hung back -- said she
had to get her cake into the oven.
"So you have come to town," said Mrs.
Harling, her eyes still fixed on Lena. "Where
are you working?"
"For Mrs. Thomas, the dressmaker. She
is going to teach me to sew. She says I have
quite a knack. I'm through with the farm.
There ain't any end to the work on a farm, and
always so much trouble happens. I'm going
to be a dressmaker."
"Well, there have to be dressmakers. It's
a good trade. But I wouldn't run down the
farm, if I were you," said Mrs. Harling rather
severely. "How is your mother?"
"Oh, mother's never very well; she has too
much to do. She'd get away from the farm,
too, if she could. She was willing for me to
come. After I learn to do sewing, I can make
money and help her."
"See that you don't forget to," said Mrs.
Harling skeptically, as she took up her cro-
cheting again and sent the hook in and out
with nimble fingers.
"No, 'm, I won't," said Lena blandly. She
[[183]]
p182 _
-chap- _
toc-1 _
p183w _
toc-2 _
+chap+ _
p184