cheeks which had filled and rounded out and the
eyes which had begun to hold the light he
remembered in another pair. Sometimes when
Colin felt Ben's earnest gaze meant that he
was much impressed he wondered what he was
reflecting on and once when he had seemed quite
entranced he questioned him.

"What are you thinking about, Ben Weatherstaff?"
he asked.

"I was thinkin'," answered Ben, "as I'd warrant
tha's gone up three or four pound this week.
I was lookin' at tha' calves an' tha' shoulders.
I'd like to get thee on a pair o' scales."

"It's the Magic and -- and Mrs. Sowerby's
buns and milk and things," said Colin. "You
see the scientific experiment has succeeded."

That morning Dickon was too late to hear the
lecture. When he came he was ruddy with running
and his funny face looked more twinkling than
usual. As they had a good deal of weeding to do
after the rains they fell to work. They always had
plenty to do after a warm deep sinking rain. The
moisture which was good for the flowers was also
good for the weeds which thrust up tiny blades
of grass and points of leaves which must be pulled
up before their roots took too firm hold. Colin
was as good at weeding as any one in these days
and he could lecture while he was doing it.

[[340]]

p339 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p340w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p341

v?