第4章
Iain"ta-goingtocarrysuchalookingthingbacktoMr。Burden。"
Ambroschdroppedthecollarontheground。`Allright，"
hesaidcoolly，tookuphisoil-can，andbegantoclimbthemill。
Jakecaughthimbythebeltofhistrousersandyankedhimback。
Ambrosch"sfeethadscarcelytouchedthegroundwhenhelungedoutwithaviciouskickatJake"sstomach。Fortunately，Jakewasinsuchapositionthathecoulddodgeit。Thiswasnotthesortofthingcountryboysdidwhentheyplayedatfisticuffs，andJakewasfurious。
HelandedAmbroschablowonthehead——itsoundedlikethecrackofanaxeonacow-pumpkin。Ambroschdroppedover，stunned。
Weheardsqueals，andlookingupsawAntoniaandhermothercomingontherun。Theydidnottakethepatharoundthepond，butplungedthroughthemuddywater，withoutevenliftingtheirskirts。
Theycameon，screamingandclawingtheair。BythistimeAmbroschhadcometohissensesandwassputteringwithnosebleed。
Jakesprangintohissaddle。`Let"sgetoutofthis，Jim，"hecalled。
Mrs。Shimerdathrewherhandsoverherheadandclutchedasifsheweregoingtopulldownlightning。`Law，law！"sheshriekedafterus。
`LawforknockmyAmbroschdown！"
`Ineverlikeyounomore，JakeandJimBurden，"Antoniapanted。
`Nofriendsanymore！"
Jakestoppedandturnedhishorseforasecond。
`Well，you"readamnedungratefullot，thewholepackofyou，"
heshoutedback。`IguesstheBurdenscangetalongwithoutyou。
You"vebeenasightoftroubletothem，anyhow！"
Werodeaway，feelingsooutragedthatthefinemorningwasspoiledforus。
Ihadn"tawordtosay，andpoorJakewaswhiteaspaperandtremblingallover。Itmadehimsicktogetsoangry。
`Theyain"tthesame，Jimmy，"hekeptsayinginahurttone。
`Theseforeignersain"tthesame。Youcan"ttrust"emtobefair。
It"sdirtytokickafeller。Youheardhowthewomenturnedonyou——
andafterallwewentthroughonaccountof"emlastwinter！
Theyain"ttobetrusted。Idon"twanttoseeyougettoothickwithanyof"em。"
`I"llneverbefriendswiththemagain，Jake，"Ideclaredhotly。
`IbelievetheyarealllikeKrajiekandAmbroschunderneath。"
Grandfatherheardourstorywithatwinkleinhiseye。
HeadvisedJaketoridetotowntomorrow，gotoajusticeofthepeace，tellhimhehadknockedyoungShimerdadown，andpayhisfine。ThenifMrs。Shimerdawasinclinedtomaketrouble——
hersonwasstillunderage——shewouldbeforestalled。
Jakesaidhemightaswelltakethewagonandhaultomarketthepighehadbeenfattening。OnMonday，aboutanhourafterJakehadstarted，wesawMrs。ShimerdaandherAmbroschproudlydrivingby，lookingneithertotherightnorleft。
AstheyrattledoutofsightdowntheBlackHawkroad，grandfatherchuckled，sayinghehadratherexpectedshewouldfollowthematterup。
Jakepaidhisfinewithaten-dollarbillgrandfatherhadgivenhimforthatpurpose。ButwhentheShimerdasfoundthatJakesoldhispigintownthatday，AmbroschworkeditoutinhisshrewdheadthatJakehadtosellhispigtopayhisfine。
ThistheoryaffordedtheShimerdasgreatsatisfaction，apparently。
Forweeksafterward，wheneverJakeandImetAntoniaonherwaytothepost-office，orgoingalongtheroadwithherwork-team，shewouldclapherhandsandcalltousinaspiteful，crowingvoice:
`Jake-y，Jake-y，sellthepigandpaytheslap！"
OttopretendednottobesurprisedatAntonia"sbehaviour。
Heonlyliftedhisbrowsandsaid，`Youcan"ttellmeanythingnewaboutaCzech；I"manAustrian。"
GrandfatherwasneverapartytowhatJakecalledourfeudwiththeShimerdas。AmbroschandAntoniaalwaysgreetedhimrespectfully，andheaskedthemabouttheiraffairsandgavethemadviceasusual。Hethoughtthefuturelookedhopefulforthem。
Ambroschwasafar-seeingfellow；hesoonrealizedthathisoxenweretooheavyforanyworkexceptbreakingsod，andhesucceededinsellingthemtoanewlyarrivedGerman。
Withthemoneyheboughtanotherteamofhorses，whichgrandfatherselectedforhim。Marekwasstrong，andAmbroschworkedhimhard；
buthecouldneverteachhimtocultivatecorn，Iremember。
TheoneideathathadevergotthroughpoorMarek"sthickheadwasthatallexertionwasmeritorious。Healwaysboredownonthehandlesofthecultivatoranddrovethebladessodeepintotheearththatthehorsesweresoonexhausted。
InJune，AmbroschwenttoworkatMr。Bushy"sforaweek，andtookMarekwithhimatfullwages。Mrs。Shimerdathendrovethesecondcultivator；
sheandAntoniaworkedinthefieldsalldayanddidthechoresatnight。
Whilethetwowomenwererunningtheplacealone，oneofthenewhorsesgotcolicandgavethematerriblefright。
Antoniahadgonedowntothebarnonenighttoseethatallwaswellbeforeshewenttobed，andshenoticedthatoneoftheroanswasswollenaboutthemiddleandstoodwithitsheadhanging。
Shemountedanotherhorse，withoutwaitingtosaddlehim，andhammeredonourdoorjustasweweregoingtobed。
Grandfatheransweredherknock。Hedidnotsendoneofhismen，butrodebackwithherhimself，takingasyringeandanoldpieceofcarpethekeptforhotapplicationswhenourhorsesweresick。
HefoundMrs。Shimerdasittingbythehorsewithherlantern，groaningandwringingherhands。Ittookbutafewmomentstoreleasethegasespentupinthepoorbeast，andthetwowomenheardtherushofwindandsawtheroanvisiblydiminishingirth。
`IfIlosethathorse，Mr。Burden，"Antoniaexclaimed，`IneverstayheretillAmbroschcomehome！Igodrownmyselfinthepondbeforemorning。"
WhenAmbroschcamebackfromMr。Bushy"s，welearnedthathehadgivenMarek"swagestothepriestatBlackHawk，forMassesfortheirfather"ssoul。GrandmotherthoughtAntonianeededshoesmorethanMr。Shimerdaneededprayers，butgrandfathersaidtolerantly，`Ifhecansparesixdollars，pinchedasheis，itshowshebelieveswhatheprofesses。"
ItwasgrandfatherwhobroughtaboutareconciliationwiththeShimerdas。
Onemorninghetoldusthatthesmallgrainwascomingonsowell，hethoughthewouldbegintocuthiswheatonthefirstofJuly。
Hewouldneedmoremen，andifitwereagreeabletoeveryonehewouldengageAmbroschforthereapingandthreshing，astheShimerdashadnosmallgrainoftheirown。
`Ithink，Emmaline，"heconcluded，`IwillaskAntoniatocomeoverandhelpyouinthekitchen。Shewillbegladtoearnsomething，anditwillbeagoodtimetoendmisunderstandings。
Imayaswellrideoverthismorningandmakearrangements。
Doyouwanttogowithme，Jim？"Histonetoldmethathehadalreadydecidedforme。
Afterbreakfastwesetofftogether。WhenMrs。Shimerdasawuscoming，sheranfromherdoordownintothedrawbehindthestable，asifshedidnotwanttomeetus。
Grandfathersmiledtohimselfwhilehetiedhishorse，andwefollowedher。
Behindthebarnwecameuponafunnysight。Thecowhadevidentlybeengrazingsomewhereinthedraw。Mrs。Shimerdahadruntotheanimal，pulledupthelariatpin，and，whenwecameuponher，shewastryingtohidethecowinanoldcaveinthebank。
Astheholewasnarrowanddark，thecowheldback，andtheoldwomanwasslappingandpushingatherhindquarters，tryingtospankherintothedrawside。
Grandfatherignoredhersingularoccupationandgreetedherpolitely。
`Goodmorning，Mrs。Shimerda。CanyoutellmewhereIwillfindAmbrosch？
Whichfield？"
`Hewiththesodcorn。"Shepointedtowardthenorth，stillstandinginfrontofthecowasifshehopedtoconcealit。
`Hissodcornwillbegoodforfodderthiswinter，"
saidgrandfatherencouragingly。`AndwhereisAntonia？"
`Shegowith。"Mrs。Shimerdakeptwigglingherbarefeetaboutnervouslyinthedust。
`Verywell。Iwillrideupthere。Iwantthemtocomeoverandhelpmecutmyoatsandwheatnextmonth。Iwillpaythemwages。Goodmorning。
Bytheway，Mrs。Shimerda，"hesaidasheturnedupthepath，`Ithinkwemayaswellcallitsquareaboutthecow。"
Shestartedandclutchedtheropetighter。
Seeingthatshedidnotunderstand，grandfatherturnedback。
`Youneednotpaymeanythingmore；nomoremoney。
Thecowisyours。"
`Paynomore，keepcow？"sheaskedinabewilderedtone，hernarroweyessnappingatusinthesunlight。
`Exactly。Paynomore，keepcow。"Henodded。
Mrs。Shimerdadroppedtherope，ranafterus，and，crouchingdownbesidegrandfather，shetookhishandandkissedit。
Idoubtifhehadeverbeensomuchembarrassedbefore。
Iwasalittlestartled，too。Somehow，thatseemedtobringtheOldWorldveryclose。
Werodeawaylaughing，andgrandfathersaid:`Iexpectshethoughtwehadcometotakethecowawayforcertain，Jim。
Iwonderifshewouldn"thavescratchedalittleifwe"dlaidholdofthatlariatrope！"
Ourneighboursseemedgladtomakepeacewithus。ThenextSundayMrs。ShimerdacameoverandbroughtJakeapairofsocksshehadknitted。
Shepresentedthemwithanairofgreatmagnanimity，saying，`NowyounotcomeanymoreforknockmyAmbroschdown？"
Jakelaughedsheepishly。`Idon"twanttohavenotroublewithAmbrosch。
Ifhe"llletmealone，I"lllethimalone。"
`Ifheslapyou，weain"tgotnopigforpaythefine，"
shesaidinsinuatingly。
Jakewasnotatalldisconcerted。`Havethelastwordma"m，"
hesaidcheerfully。`It"salady"sprivilege。"
XIX
JULYCAMEONwiththatbreathless，brilliantheatwhichmakestheplainsofKansasandNebraskathebestcorncountryintheworld。
Itseemedasifwecouldhearthecorngrowinginthenight；
underthestarsonecaughtafaintcracklinginthedewy，heavy-odouredcornfieldswherethefeatheredstalksstoodsojuicyandgreen。
IfallthegreatplainfromtheMissouritotheRockyMountainshadbeenunderglass，andtheheatregulatedbyathermometer，itcouldnothavebeenbetterfortheyellowtasselsthatwereripeningandfertilizingthesilkdaybyday。Thecornfieldswerefarapartinthosetimes，withmilesofwildgrazinglandbetween。
Ittookaclear，meditativeeyelikemygrandfather"stoforeseethattheywouldenlargeandmultiplyuntiltheywouldbe，nottheShimerdas"cornfields，orMr。Bushy"s，buttheworld"scornfields；
thattheiryieldwouldbeoneofthegreateconomicfacts，likethewheatcropofRussia，whichunderliealltheactivitiesofmen，inpeaceorwar。
Theburningsunofthosefewweeks，withoccasionalrainsatnight，securedthecorn。Afterthemilkyearswereonceformed，wehadlittletofearfromdryweather。Themenwereworkingsohardinthewheatfieldsthattheydidnotnoticetheheat——thoughIwaskeptbusycarryingwaterforthem——andgrandmotherandAntoniahadsomuchtodointhekitchenthattheycouldnothavetoldwhetheronedaywashotterthananother。
Eachmorning，whilethedewwasstillonthegrass，Antoniawentwithmeuptothegardentogetearlyvegetablesfordinner。
Grandmothermadeherwearasunbonnet，butassoonaswereachedthegardenshethrewitonthegrassandletherhairflyinthebreeze。
Irememberhow，aswebentoverthepea-vines，beadsofperspirationusedtogatheronherupperliplikealittlemoustache。
`Oh，betterIliketoworkout-of-doorsthaninahouse！"
sheusedtosingjoyfully。`Inotcarethatyourgrandmothersayitmakesmelikeaman。Iliketobelikeaman。"
Shewouldtossherheadandaskmetofeelthemusclesswellinherbrownarm。
Weweregladtohaveherinthehouse。Shewassogayandresponsivethatonedidnotmindherheavy，runningstep，orherclatterywaywithpans。
GrandmotherwasinhighspiritsduringtheweeksthatAntoniaworkedforus。
Allthenightswerecloseandhotduringthatharvestseason。
Theharvesterssleptinthehayloftbecauseitwascoolertherethaninthehouse。Iusedtolieinmybedbytheopenwindow，watchingtheheatlightningplaysoftlyalongthehorizon，orlookingupatthegauntframeofthewindmillagainstthebluenightsky。Onenighttherewasabeautifulelectricstorm，thoughnotenoughrainfelltodamagethecutgrain。
Themenwentdowntothebarnimmediatelyaftersupper，andwhenthedisheswerewashed，AntoniaandIclimbedupontheslantingroofofthechicken-housetowatchtheclouds。
Thethunderwasloudandmetallic，liketherattleofsheetiron，andthelightningbrokeingreatzigzagsacrosstheheavens，makingeverythingstandoutandcomeclosetousforamoment。
Halftheskywaschequeredwithblackthunderheads，butallthewestwasluminousandclear:inthelightningflashesitlookedlikedeepbluewater，withthesheenofmoonlightonit；
andthemottledpartoftheskywaslikemarblepavement，likethequayofsomesplendidseacoastcity，doomedtodestruction。
Greatwarmsplashesofrainfellonourupturnedfaces。
Oneblackcloud，nobiggerthanalittleboat，driftedoutintotheclearspaceunattended，andkeptmovingwestward。
Allaboutuswecouldhearthefeltybeatoftheraindropsonthesoftdustofthefarmyard。Grandmothercametothedoorandsaiditwaslate，andwewouldgetwetoutthere。
`Inaminutewecome，"Antoniacalledbacktoher。
`Ilikeyourgrandmother，andallthingshere，"shesighed。
`Iwishmypapalivetoseethissummer。Iwishnowinterevercomeagain。"
`Itwillbesummeralongwhileyet，"Ireassuredher。
`Whyaren"tyoualwaysnicelikethis，Tony？"
`Hownice？"
`Why，justlikethis；likeyourself。WhydoyouallthetimetrytobelikeAmbrosch？"
Sheputherarmsunderherheadandlayback，lookingupatthesky。
`IfIlivehere，likeyou，thatisdifferent。Thingswillbeeasyforyou。
Buttheywillbehardforus。"
EndofBookI
BOOKIITheHiredGirlsI
IHADBEENLIVINGwithmygrandfatherfornearlythreeyearswhenhedecidedtomovetoBlackHawk。Heandgrandmotherweregettingoldfortheheavyworkofafarm，andasIwasnowthirteentheythoughtIoughttobegoingtoschool。
Accordinglyourhomesteadwasrentedto`thatgoodwoman，theWidowSteavens，"andherbachelorbrother，andweboughtPreacherWhite"shouse，atthenorthendofBlackHawk。
Thiswasthefirsttownhouseonepasseddrivinginfromthefarm，alandmarkwhichtoldcountrypeopletheirlongridewasover。
WeweretomovetoBlackHawkinMarch，andassoonasgrandfatherhadfixedthedateheletJakeandOttoknowofhisintention。
Ottosaidhewouldnotbelikelytofindanotherplacethatsuitedhimsowell；thathewastiredoffarmingandthoughthewouldgobacktowhathecalledthe`wildWest。"
JakeMarpole，luredbyOtto"sstoriesofadventure，decidedtogowithhim。WedidourbesttodissuadeJake。
Hewassohandicappedbyilliteracyandbyhistrustingdispositionthathewouldbeaneasypreytosharpers。
Grandmotherbeggedhimtostayamongkindly，Christianpeople，wherehewasknown；buttherewasnoreasoningwithhim。
Hewantedtobeaprospector。HethoughtasilverminewaswaitingforhiminColorado。
JakeandOttoservedustothelast。Theymovedusintotown，putdownthecarpetsinournewhouse，madeshelvesandcupboardsforgrandmother"skitchen，andseemedloathtoleaveus。
Butatlasttheywent，withoutwarning。Thosetwofellowshadbeenfaithfultousthroughsunandstorm，hadgivenusthingsthatcannotbeboughtinanymarketintheworld。
Withmetheyhadbeenlikeolderbrothers；hadrestrainedtheirspeechandmannersoutofcareforme，andgivenmesomuchgoodcomradeship。Nowtheygotonthewestboundtrainonemorning，intheirSundayclothes，withtheiroilclothvalises——andI
neversawthemagain。MonthsafterwardwegotacardfromOtto，sayingthatJakehadbeendownwithmountainfever，butnowtheywerebothworkingintheYankeeGirlMine，andweredoingwell。
Iwrotetothematthataddress，butmyletterwasreturnedtome，`Unclaimed。"Afterthatweneverheardfromthem。
BlackHawk，thenewworldinwhichwehadcometolive，wasaclean，well-plantedlittleprairietown，withwhitefencesandgoodgreenyardsaboutthedwellings，wide，dustystreets，andshapelylittletreesgrowingalongthewoodensidewalks。
Inthecentreofthetownthereweretworowsofnewbrick`store"buildings，abrickschoolhouse，thecourt-house，andfourwhitechurches。Ourownhouselookeddownoverthetown，andfromourupstairswindowswecouldseethewindinglineoftheriverbluffs，twomilessouthofus。
Thatriverwastobemycompensationforthelostfreedomofthefarmingcountry。
WecametoBlackHawkinMarch，andbytheendofAprilwefeltliketownpeople。GrandfatherwasadeaconinthenewBaptistChurch，grandmotherwasbusywithchurchsuppersandmissionarysocieties，andIwasquiteanotherboy，orthoughtIwas。Suddenlyputdownamongboysofmyownage，IfoundIhadagreatdealtolearn。
Beforethespringtermofschoolwasover，Icouldfight，play`keeps，"teasethelittlegirls，anduseforbiddenwordsaswellasanyboyinmyclass。
IwasrestrainedfromuttersavageryonlybythefactthatMrs。Harling，ournearestneighbour，keptaneyeonme，andifmybehaviourwentbeyondcertainboundsIwasnotpermittedtocomeintoheryardortoplaywithherjollychildren。
Wesawmoreofourcountryneighboursnowthanwhenwelivedonthefarm。
Ourhousewasaconvenientstopping-placeforthem。Wehadabigbarnwherethefarmerscouldputuptheirteams，andtheirwomenfolkmoreoftenaccompaniedthem，nowthattheycouldstaywithusfordinner，andrestandsettheirbonnetsrightbeforetheywentshopping。
Themoreourhousewaslikeacountryhotel，thebetterIlikedit。
Iwasglad，whenIcamehomefromschoolatnoon，toseeafarm-wagonstandinginthebackyard，andIwasalwaysreadytorundowntowntogetbeefsteakorbaker"sbreadforunexpectedcompany。
AllthroughthatfirstspringandsummerIkepthopingthatAmbroschwouldbringAntoniaandYulkatoseeournewhouse。
Iwantedtoshowthemourredplushfurniture，andthetrumpet-blowingcherubstheGermanpaperhangerhadputonourparlourceiling。
WhenAmbroschcametotown，however，hecamealone，andthoughheputhishorsesinourbarn，hewouldneverstayfordinner，ortellusanythingabouthismotherandsisters。Ifweranoutandquestionedhimashewasslippingthroughtheyard，hewouldmerelyworkhisshouldersaboutinhiscoatandsay，`Theyallright，Iguess。"
Mrs。Steavens，whonowlivedonourfarm，grewasfondofAntoniaaswehadbeen，andalwaysbroughtusnewsofher。Allthroughthewheatseason，shetoldus，Ambroschhiredhissisteroutlikeaman，andshewentfromfarmtofarm，bindingsheavesorworkingwiththethreshers。
Thefarmerslikedherandwerekindtoher；saidtheywouldratherhaveherforahandthanAmbrosch。WhenfallcameshewastohuskcornfortheneighboursuntilChristmas，asshehaddonetheyearbefore；
butgrandmothersavedherfromthisbygettingheraplacetoworkwithourneighbours，theHarlings。
II
GRANDMOTHEROFTENSAIDTHATifshehadtoliveintown，shethankedGodshelivednexttheHarlings。Theyhadbeenfarmingpeople，likeourselves，andtheirplacewaslikealittlefarm，withabigbarnandagarden，andanorchardandgrazinglots——evenawindmill。
TheHarlingswereNorwegians，andMrs。HarlinghadlivedinChristianiauntilshewastenyearsold。HerhusbandwasborninMinnesota。
Hewasagrainmerchantandcattle-buyer，andwasgenerallyconsideredthemostenterprisingbusinessmaninourcounty。
Hecontrolledalineofgrainelevatorsinthelittletownsalongtherailroadtothewestofus，andwasawayfromhomeagreatdeal。
Inhisabsencehiswifewastheheadofthehousehold。
Mrs。Harlingwasshortandsquareandsturdy-looking，likeherhouse。Everyinchofherwaschargedwithanenergythatmadeitselffeltthemomentsheenteredaroom。
Herfacewasrosyandsolid，withbright，twinklingeyesandastubbornlittlechin。Shewasquicktoanger，quicktolaughter，andjollyfromthedepthsofhersoul。
HowwellIrememberherlaugh；ithadinitthesamesuddenrecognitionthatflashedintohereyes，wasaburstofhumour，shortandintelligent。Herrapidfootstepsshookherownfloors，andsheroutedlassitudeandindifferencewherevershecame。
Shecouldnotbenegativeorperfunctoryaboutanything。
Herenthusiasm，andherviolentlikesanddislikes，assertedthemselvesinalltheeverydayoccupationsoflife。
Wash-daywasinteresting，neverdreary，attheHarlings"。
Preserving-timewasaprolongedfestival，andhouse-cleaningwaslikearevolution。WhenMrs。Harlingmadegardenthatspring，wecouldfeelthestirofherundertakingthroughthewillowhedgethatseparatedourplacefromhers。
ThreeoftheHarlingchildrenwerenearmeinage。Charley，theonlyson——
theyhadlostanolderboy——wassixteen；Julia，whowasknownasthemusicalone，wasfourteenwhenIwas；andSally，thetomboywithshorthair，wasayearyounger。ShewasnearlyasstrongasI，anduncannilycleveratallboys"sports。Sallywasawildthing，withsunburnedyellowhair，bobbedaboutherears，andabrownskin，forsheneverworeahat。
Sheracedallovertownononerollerskate，oftencheatedat`keeps，"
butwassuchaquickshotonecouldn"tcatchheratit。
Thegrown-updaughter，Frances，wasaveryimportantpersoninourworld。
Shewasherfather"schiefclerk，andvirtuallymanagedhisBlackHawkofficeduringhisfrequentabsences。Becauseofherunusualbusinessability，hewassternandexactingwithher。Hepaidheragoodsalary，butshehadfewholidaysandnevergotawayfromherresponsibilities。
EvenonSundaysshewenttotheofficetoopenthemailandreadthemarkets。
WithCharley，whowasnotinterestedinbusiness，butwasalreadypreparingforAnnapolis，Mr。Harlingwasveryindulgent；boughthimgunsandtoolsandelectricbatteries，andneveraskedwhathedidwiththem。
Franceswasdark，likeherfather，andquiteastall。
Inwintersheworeasealskincoatandcap，andsheandMr。Harlingusedtowalkhometogetherintheevening，talkingaboutgrain-carsandcattle，liketwomen。Sometimesshecameovertoseegrandfatheraftersupper，andhervisitsflatteredhim。
MorethanoncetheyputtheirwitstogethertorescuesomeunfortunatefarmerfromtheclutchesofWickCutter，theBlackHawkmoney-lender。GrandfathersaidFrancesHarlingwasasgoodajudgeofcreditsasanybankerinthecounty。
Thetwoorthreemenwhohadtriedtotakeadvantageofherinadealacquiredcelebritybytheirdefeat。Shekneweveryfarmerformilesabout:howmuchlandhehadundercultivation，howmanycattlehewasfeeding，whathisliabilitieswere。
Herinterestinthesepeoplewasmorethanabusinessinterest。
Shecarriedthemallinhermindasiftheywerecharactersinabookoraplay。
WhenFrancesdroveoutintothecountryonbusiness，shewouldgomilesoutofherwaytocallonsomeoftheoldpeople，ortoseethewomenwhoseldomgottotown。
ShewasquickatunderstandingthegrandmotherswhospokenoEnglish，andthemostreticentanddistrustfulofthemwouldtellhertheirstorywithoutrealizingtheyweredoingso。
Shewenttocountryfuneralsandweddingsinallweathers。
Afarmer"sdaughterwhowastobemarriedcouldcountonaweddingpresentfromFrancesHarling。
InAugusttheHarlings"Danishcookhadtoleavethem。
GrandmotherentreatedthemtotryAntonia。ShecorneredAmbroschthenexttimehecametotown，andpointedouttohimthatanyconnectionwithChristianHarlingwouldstrengthenhiscreditandbeofadvantagetohim。
OneSundayMrs。HarlingtookthelongrideouttotheShimerdas"
withFrances。Shesaidshewantedtosee`whatthegirlcamefrom"andtohaveaclearunderstandingwithhermother。
Iwasinouryardwhentheycamedrivinghome，justbeforesunset。
Theylaughedandwavedtomeastheypassed，andIcouldseetheywereingreatgoodhumour。Aftersupper，whengrandfathersetofftochurch，grandmotherandItookmyshortcutthroughthewillowhedgeandwentovertohearaboutthevisittotheShimerdas"。
WefoundMrs。HarlingwithCharleyandSallyonthefrontporch，restingafterherharddrive。Juliawasinthehammock——
shewasfondofrepose——andFranceswasatthepiano，playingwithoutalightandtalkingtohermotherthroughtheopenwindow。
Mrs。Harlinglaughedwhenshesawuscoming。`Iexpectyouleftyourdishesonthetabletonight，Mrs。Burden，"shecalled。
Francesshutthepianoandcameouttojoinus。
TheyhadlikedAntoniafromtheirfirstglimpseofher；
felttheyknewexactlywhatkindofgirlshewas。
AsforMrs。Shimerda，theyfoundherveryamusing。
Mrs。Harlingchuckledwhenevershespokeofher。`IexpectIammoreathomewiththatsortofbirdthanyouare，Mrs。Burden。
They"reapair，Ambroschandthatoldwoman！"
TheyhadhadalongargumentwithAmbroschaboutAntonia"sallowanceforclothesandpocket-money。Itwashisplanthateverycentofhissister"swagesshouldbepaidovertohimeachmonth，andhewouldprovideherwithsuchclothingashethoughtnecessary。
WhenMrs。HarlingtoldhimfirmlythatshewouldkeepfiftydollarsayearforAntonia"sownuse，hedeclaredtheywantedtotakehissistertotownanddressherupandmakeafoolofher。
Mrs。HarlinggaveusalivelyaccountofAmbrosch"sbehaviourthroughouttheinterview；howhekeptjumpingupandputtingonhiscapasifhewerethroughwiththewholebusiness，andhowhismothertweakedhiscoat-tailandpromptedhiminBohemian。
Mrs。HarlingfinallyagreedtopaythreedollarsaweekforAntonia"sservices——goodwagesinthosedays——andtokeepherinshoes。Therehadbeenhotdisputeabouttheshoes，Mrs。ShimerdafinallysayingpersuasivelythatshewouldsendMrs。Harlingthreefatgeeseeveryyearto`makeeven。"
AmbroschwastobringhissistertotownnextSaturday。
`She"llbeawkwardandroughatfirst，likeenough，"grandmothersaidanxiously，`butunlessshe"sbeenspoiledbythehardlifeshe"sled，shehasitinhertobearealhelpfulgirl。"
Mrs。Harlinglaughedherquick，decidedlaugh。`Oh，I"mnotworrying，Mrs。Burden！Icanbringsomethingoutofthatgirl。
She"sbarelyseventeen，nottoooldtolearnnewways。
She"sgood-looking，too！"sheaddedwarmly。
Francesturnedtograndmother。`Oh，yes，Mrs。Burden，youdidn"ttellusthat！Shewasworkinginthegardenwhenwegotthere，barefootandragged。Butshehassuchfinebrownlegsandarms，andsplendidcolourinhercheeks——likethosebigdarkredplums。"
Wewerepleasedatthispraise。Grandmotherspokefeelingly。
`Whenshefirstcametothiscountry，Frances，andhadthatgenteeloldmantowatchoverher，shewasasprettyagirlaseverIsaw。But，dearme，whatalifeshe"sled，outinthefieldswiththoseroughthreshers！
ThingswouldhavebeenverydifferentwithpoorAntoniaifherfatherhadlived。"
TheHarlingsbeggedustotellthemaboutMr。Shimerda"sdeathandthebigsnowstorm。Bythetimewesawgrandfathercominghomefromchurch，wehadtoldthemprettymuchallweknewoftheShimerdas。
`Thegirlwillbehappyhere，andshe"llforgetthosethings，"
saidMrs。Harlingconfidently，aswerosetotakeourleave。
III
ONSATURDAYAMBROSCHdroveuptothebackgate，andAntoniajumpeddownfromthewagonandranintoourkitchenjustassheusedtodo。
Shewaswearingshoesandstockings，andwasbreathlessandexcited。
Shegavemeaplayfulshakebytheshoulders。`Youain"tforgetaboutme，Jim？"
Grandmotherkissedher。`Godblessyou，child！Nowyou"vecome，youmusttrytodorightandbeacredittous。"
Antonialookedeagerlyaboutthehouseandadmiredeverything。
`MaybeIbethekindofgirlyoulikebetter；nowIcometotown，"
shesuggestedhopefully。
HowgooditwastohaveAntonianearusagain；toseehereverydayandalmosteverynight！Hergreatestfault，Mrs。Harlingfound，wasthatshesooftenstoppedherworkandfelltoplayingwiththechildren。Shewouldraceabouttheorchardwithus，ortakesidesinourhay-fightsinthebarn，orbetheoldbearthatcamedownfromthemountainandcarriedoffNina。
TonylearnedEnglishsoquicklythatbythetimeschoolbeganshecouldspeakaswellasanyofus。
IwasjealousofTony"sadmirationforCharleyHarling。
Becausehewasalwaysfirstinhisclassesatschool，andcouldmendthewater-pipesorthedoorbellandtaketheclocktopieces，sheseemedtothinkhimasortofprince。
NothingthatCharleywantedwastoomuchtroubleforher。
Shelovedtoputuplunchesforhimwhenhewenthunting，tomendhisball-glovesandsewbuttonsonhisshooting-coat，bakedthekindofnut-cakeheliked，andfedhissetterdogwhenhewasawayontripswithhisfather。Antoniahadmadeherselfclothworking-slippersoutofMr。Harling"soldcoats，andintheseshewentpaddingaboutafterCharley，fairlypantingwitheagernesstopleasehim。
NexttoCharley，IthinkshelovedNinabest。Ninawasonlysix，andshewasrathermorecomplexthantheotherchildren。
Shewasfanciful，hadallsortsofunspokenpreferences，andwaseasilyoffended。Attheslightestdisappointmentordispleasure，hervelvetybrowneyesfilledwithtears，andshewouldliftherchinandwalksilentlyaway。
Ifweranafterherandtriedtoappeaseher，itdidnogood。
Shewalkedonunmollified。IusedtothinkthatnoeyesintheworldcouldgrowsolargeorholdsomanytearsasNina"s。Mrs。HarlingandAntoniainvariablytookherpart。
Wewerenevergivenachancetoexplain。Thechargewassimply:
`YouhavemadeNinacry。Now，Jimmycangohome，andSallymustgetherarithmetic。"IlikedNina，too；shewassoquaintandunexpected，andhereyeswerelovely；butIoftenwantedtoshakeher。
WehadjollyeveningsattheHarlings"whenthefatherwasaway。
Ifhewasathome，thechildrenhadtogotobedearly，ortheycameovertomyhousetoplay。Mr。Harlingnotonlydemandedaquiethouse，hedemandedallhiswife"sattention。
Heusedtotakeherawaytotheirroominthewestell，andtalkoverhisbusinesswithherallevening。
Thoughwedidnotrealizeitthen，Mrs。Harlingwasouraudiencewhenweplayed，andwealwayslookedtoherforsuggestions。
Nothingflatteredonelikeherquicklaugh。
Mr。Harlinghadadeskinhisbedroom，andhisowneasy-chairbythewindow，inwhichnooneelseeversat。
Onthenightswhenhewasathome，Icouldseehisshadowontheblind，anditseemedtomeanarrogantshadow。
Mrs。Harlingpaidnoheedtoanyoneelseifhewasthere。
Beforehewenttobedshealwaysgothimalunchofsmokedsalmonoranchoviesandbeer。Hekeptanalcohollampinhisroom，andaFrenchcoffee-pot，andhiswifemadecoffeeforhimatanyhourofthenighthehappenedtowantit。
MostBlackHawkfathershadnopersonalhabitsoutsidetheirdomesticones；theypaidthebills，pushedthebaby-carriageafterofficehours，movedthesprinkleraboutoverthelawn，andtookthefamilydrivingonSunday。Mr。Harling，therefore，seemedtomeautocraticandimperialinhisways。
Hewalked，talked，putonhisgloves，shookhands，likeamanwhofeltthathehadpower。Hewasnottall，buthecarriedhisheadsohaughtilythathelookedacommandingfigure，andtherewassomethingdaringandchallenginginhiseyes。
Iusedtoimaginethatthe，nobles"ofwhomAntoniawasalwaystalkingprobablylookedverymuchlikeChristianHarling，worecapedovercoatslikehis，andjustsuchaglitteringdiamonduponthelittlefinger。
Exceptwhenthefatherwasathome，theHarlinghousewasneverquiet。
Mrs。HarlingandNinaandAntoniamadeasmuchnoiseasahousefulofchildren，andtherewasusuallysomebodyatthepiano。Juliawastheonlyonewhowashelddowntoregularhoursofpractising，buttheyallplayed。
WhenFrancescamehomeatnoon，sheplayeduntildinnerwasready。
WhenSallygotbackfromschool，shesatdowninherhatandcoatanddrummedtheplantationmelodiesthatNegrominstreltroupesbroughttotown。
EvenNinaplayedtheSwedishWeddingMarch。
Mrs。Harlinghadstudiedthepianounderagoodteacher，andsomehowshemanagedtopractiseeveryday。
IsoonlearnedthatifIweresentoveronanerrandandfoundMrs。Harlingatthepiano，Imustsitdownandwaitquietlyuntilsheturnedtome。Icanseeheratthismoment:
hershort，squarepersonplantedfirmlyonthestool，herlittlefathandsmovingquicklyandneatlyoverthekeys，hereyesfixedonthemusicwithintelligentconcentration。
IV
`Iwon"thavenoneofyourweevilywheat，andIwon"thavenoneofyourbarley，ButI"lltakeameasureoffinewhiteflour，tomakeacakeforCharley。"
WEWERESINGINGrhymestoteaseAntoniawhileshewasbeatinguponeofCharley"sfavouritecakesinherbigmixing-bowl。
Itwasacrispautumnevening，justcoldenoughtomakeonegladtoquitplayingtagintheyard，andretreatintothekitchen。
Wehadbeguntorollpopcornballswithsyrupwhenweheardaknockatthebackdoor，andTonydroppedherspoonandwenttoopenit。
Aplump，fair-skinnedgirlwasstandinginthedoorway。
Shelookeddemureandpretty，andmadeagracefulpictureinherbluecashmeredressandlittlebluehat，withaplaidshawldrawnneatlyabouthershouldersandaclumsypocket-bookinherhand。
`Hello，Tony。Don"tyouknowme？"sheaskedinasmooth，lowvoice，lookinginatusarchly。
Antoniagaspedandsteppedback。
`Why，it"sLena！OfcourseIdidn"tknowyou，sodressedup！"
LenaLingardlaughed，asifthispleasedher。Ihadnotrecognizedherforamoment，either。Ihadneverseenherbeforewithahatonherhead——orwithshoesandstockingsonherfeet，forthatmatter。
Andhereshewas，brushedandsmoothedanddressedlikeatowngirl，smilingatuswithperfectcomposure。
`Hello，Jim，"shesaidcarelesslyasshewalkedintothekitchenandlookedabouther。`I"vecometotowntowork，too，Tony。"
`Haveyou，now？Well，ain"tthatfunny“Antoniastoodillatease，anddidn"tseemtoknowjustwhattodowithhervisitor。
Thedoorwasopenintothedining-room，whereMrs。HarlingsatcrochetingandFranceswasreading。FrancesaskedLenatocomeinandjointhem。
`YouareLenaLingard，aren"tyou？I"vebeentoseeyourmother，butyouwereoffherdingcattlethatday。Mama，thisisChrisLingard"soldestgirl。"
Mrs。Harlingdroppedherworstedandexaminedthevisitorwithquick，keeneyes。Lenawasnotatalldisconcerted。
ShesatdowninthechairFrancespointedout，carefullyarrangingherpocket-bookandgreycottonglovesonherlap。
Wefollowedwithourpopcorn，butAntoniahungback——
saidshehadtogethercakeintotheoven。
`Soyouhavecometotown，"saidMrs。Harling，hereyesstillfixedonLena。
`Whereareyouworking？"
`ForMrs。Thomas，thedressmaker。Sheisgoingtoteachmetosew。
ShesaysIhavequiteaknack。I"mthroughwiththefarm。Thereain"tanyendtotheworkonafarm，andalwayssomuchtroublehappens。
I"mgoingtobeadressmaker。"
`Well，therehavetobedressmakers。It"sagoodtrade。ButIwouldn"trundownthefarm，ifIwereyou，"saidMrs。Harlingratherseverely。
`Howisyourmother？"
`Oh，mother"sneververywell；shehastoomuchtodo。
She"dgetawayfromthefarm，too，ifshecould。
Shewaswillingformetocome。AfterIlearntodosewing，Icanmakemoneyandhelpher。"
`Seethatyoudon"tforgetto，"saidMrs。Harlingsceptically，asshetookuphercrochetingagainandsentthehookinandoutwithnimblefingers。
`No，"m，Iwon"t，"saidLenablandly。Shetookafewgrainsofthepopcornwepresseduponher，eatingthemdiscreetlyandtakingcarenottogetherfingerssticky。
Francesdrewherchairupnearertothevisitor。`Ithoughtyouweregoingtobemarried，Lena，"shesaidteasingly。
`Didn"tIhearthatNickSvendsenwasrushingyouprettyhard？"
Lenalookedupwithhercuriouslyinnocentsmile。`Hedidgowithmequiteawhile。Buthisfathermadeafussaboutitandsaidhewouldn"tgiveNickanylandifhemarriedme，sohe"sgoingtomarryAnnieIverson。
Iwouldn"tliketobeher；Nick"sawfulsullen，andhe"lltakeitoutonher。
Heain"tspoketohisfathersincehepromised。"
Franceslaughed。`Andhowdoyoufeelaboutit？"
`Idon"twanttomarryNick，oranyotherman，"Lenamurmured。
`I"veseenagooddealofmarriedlife，andIdon"tcareforit。
IwanttobesoIcanhelpmymotherandthechildrenathome，andnothavetoaskliefofanybody。"
`That"sright，"saidFrances。`AndMrs。Thomasthinksyoucanlearndressmaking？"
`Yes，"m。I"vealwayslikedtosew，butIneverhadmuchtodowith。
Mrs。Thomasmakeslovelythingsforallthetownladies。
DidyouknowMrs。Gardenerishavingapurplevelvetmade？
ThevelvetcamefromOmaha。My，butit"slovely！"
Lenasighedsoftlyandstrokedhercashmerefolds。
`TonyknowsIneverdidlikeout-of-doorwork，"sheadded。
Mrs。Harlingglancedather。`Iexpectyou"lllearntosewallright，Lena，ifyou"llonlykeepyourheadandnotgogaddingabouttodancesallthetimeandneglectyourwork，thewaysomecountrygirlsdo。"
`Yes，"m。TinySoderballiscomingtotown，too。She"sgoingtoworkattheBoys"HomeHotel。She"llseelotsofstrangers，"
Lenaaddedwistfully。
`Toomany，likeenough，"saidMrs。Harling。`Idon"tthinkahotelisagoodplaceforagirl；thoughIguessMrs。Gardenerkeepsaneyeonherwaitresses。"
Lena"scandideyes，thatalwayslookedalittlesleepyundertheirlonglashes，keptstrayingaboutthecheerfulroomswithnaiveadmiration。
Presentlyshedrewonhercottongloves。`IguessImustbeleaving，"
shesaidirresolutely。
Francestoldhertocomeagain，whenevershewaslonesomeorwantedadviceaboutanything。Lenarepliedthatshedidn"tbelieveshewouldevergetlonesomeinBlackHawk。
ShelingeredatthekitchendoorandbeggedAntoniatocomeandseeheroften。`I"vegotaroomofmyownatMrs。Thomas"s，withacarpet。"
Tonyshuffleduneasilyinherclothslippers。`I"llcomesometime，butMrs。Harlingdon"tliketohavemerunmuch，"shesaidevasively。
`Youcandowhatyoupleasewhenyougoout，can"tyou？"
Lenaaskedinaguardedwhisper。`Ain"tyoucrazyabouttown，Tony？
Idon"tcarewhatanybodysays，I"mdonewiththefarm！"
Sheglancedbackoverhershouldertowardthedining-room，whereMrs。Harlingsat。
WhenLenawasgone，FrancesaskedAntoniawhyshehadn"tbeenalittlemorecordialtoher。
`Ididn"tknowifyourmotherwouldlikehercominghere，"saidAntonia，lookingtroubled。`Shewaskindoftalkedabout，outthere。"
`Yes，Iknow。Butmotherwon"tholditagainstherifshebehaveswellhere。Youneedn"tsayanythingaboutthattothechildren。
IguessJimhasheardallthatgossip？"
WhenInodded，shepulledmyhairandtoldmeIknewtoomuch，anyhow。
Weweregoodfriends，FrancesandI。
IranhometotellgrandmotherthatLenaLingardhadcometotown。
Weweregladofit，forshehadahardlifeonthefarm。
LenalivedintheNorwegiansettlementwestofSquawCreek，andsheusedtoherdherfather"scattleintheopencountrybetweenhisplaceandtheShimerdas"。Wheneverwerodeoverinthatdirectionwesawheroutamonghercattle，bareheadedandbarefooted，scantilydressedintatteredclothing，alwaysknittingasshewatchedherherd。
BeforeIknewLena，Ithoughtofherassomethingwild，thatalwayslivedontheprairie，becauseIhadneverseenherunderaroof。
Heryellowhairwasburnedtoaruddythatchonherhead；butherlegsandarms，curiouslyenough，inspiteofconstantexposuretothesun，keptamiraculouswhitenesswhichsomehowmadeherseemmoreundressedthanothergirlswhowentscantilyclad。ThefirsttimeIstoppedtotalktoher，Iwasastonishedathersoftvoiceandeasy，gentleways。
Thegirlsoutthereusuallygotroughandmannishaftertheywenttoherding。
ButLenaaskedJakeandmetogetoffourhorsesandstayawhile，andbehavedexactlyasifshewereinahouseandwereaccustomedtohavingvisitors。
Shewasnotembarrassedbyherraggedclothes，andtreatedusasifwewereoldacquaintances。EventhenInoticedtheunusualcolourofhereyes——
ashadeofdeepviolet——andtheirsoft，confidingexpression。
ChrisLingardwasnotaverysuccessfulfarmer，andhehadalargefamily。
Lenawasalwaysknittingstockingsforlittlebrothersandsisters，andeventheNorwegianwomen，whodisapprovedofher，admittedthatshewasagooddaughtertohermother。AsTonysaid，shehadbeentalkedabout。
ShewasaccusedofmakingOleBensonlosethelittlesensehehad——
andthatatanagewhensheshouldstillhavebeeninpinafores。
Olelivedinaleakydugoutsomewhereattheedgeofthesettlement。
Hewasfatandlazyanddiscouraged，andbadluckhadbecomeahabitwithhim。Afterhehadhadeveryotherkindofmisfortune，hiswife，`CrazyMary，"triedtosetaneighbour"sbarnonfire，andwassenttotheasylumatLincoln。Shewaskeptthereforafewmonths，thenescapedandwalkedallthewayhome，nearlytwohundredmiles，travellingbynightandhidinginbarnsandhaystacksbyday。
WhenshegotbacktotheNorwegiansettlement，herpoorfeetwereashardashoofs。Shepromisedtobegood，andwasallowedtostayathome——thougheveryonerealizedshewasascrazyasever，andshestillranaboutbarefootedthroughthesnow，tellingherdomestictroublestoherneighbours。
NotlongafterMarycamebackfromtheasylum，IheardayoungDane，whowashelpingustothresh，tellJakeandOttothatChrisLingard"soldestgirlhadputOleBensonoutofhishead，untilhehadnomoresensethanhiscrazywife。WhenOlewascultivatinghiscornthatsummer，heusedtogetdiscouragedinthefield，tieuphisteam，andwanderofftowhereverLenaLingardwasherding。
Therehewouldsitdownonthedrawsideandhelpherwatchhercattle。
Allthesettlementwastalkingaboutit。TheNorwegianpreacher"swifewenttoLenaandtoldhersheoughtnottoallowthis；
shebeggedLenatocometochurchonSundays。Lenasaidshehadn"tadressintheworldanylessraggedthantheoneonherback。
Thentheminister"swifewentthroughheroldtrunksandfoundsomethingsshehadwornbeforehermarriage。
ThenextSundayLenaappearedatchurch，alittlelate，withherhairdoneupneatlyonherhead，likeayoungwoman，wearingshoesandstockings，andthenewdress，whichshehadmadeoverforherselfverybecomingly。Thecongregationstaredather。
Untilthatmorningnoone——unlessitwereOle——hadrealizedhowprettyshewas，orthatshewasgrowingup。Theswellinglinesofherfigurehadbeenhiddenundertheshapelessragssheworeinthefields。
Afterthelasthymnhadbeensung，andthecongregationwasdismissed，Oleslippedouttothehitch-barandliftedLenaonherhorse。
That，initself，wasshocking；amarriedmanwasnotexpectedtodosuchthings。Butitwasnothingtothescenethatfollowed。
CrazyMarydartedoutfromthegroupofwomenatthechurchdoor，andrandowntheroadafterLena，shoutinghorriblethreats。
`Lookout，youLenaLingard，lookout！I"llcomeoverwithacorn-knifeonedayandtrimsomeofthatshapeoffyou。
Thenyouwon"tsailroundsofine，makingeyesatthemen！……"
TheNorwegianwomendidn"tknowwheretolook。Theywereformalhousewives，mostofthem，withaseveresenseofdecorum。
ButLenaLingardonlylaughedherlazy，good-naturedlaughandrodeon，gazingbackoverhershoulderatOle"sinfuriatedwife。
Thetimecame，however，whenLenadidn"tlaugh。MorethanonceCrazyMarychasedheracrosstheprairieandroundandroundtheShimerdas"cornfield。
Lenanevertoldherfather；perhapsshewasashamed；perhapsshewasmoreafraidofhisangerthanofthecorn-knife。IwasattheShimerdas"
oneafternoonwhenLenacameboundingthroughtheredgrassasfastasherwhitelegscouldcarryher。SheranstraightintothehouseandhidinAntonia"sfeather-bed。Marywasnotfarbehind:
shecamerightuptothedoorandmadeusfeelhowsharpherbladewas，showingusverygraphicallyjustwhatshemeanttodotoLena。
Mrs。Shimerda，leaningoutofthewindow，enjoyedthesituationkeenly，andwassorrywhenAntoniasentMaryaway，mollifiedbyanapronfulofbottle-tomatoes。LenacameoutfromTony"sroombehindthekitchen，verypinkfromtheheatofthefeathers，butotherwisecalm。
ShebeggedAntoniaandmetogowithher，andhelpgethercattletogether；
theywerescatteredandmightbegorgingthemselvesinsomebody"scornfield。
`Maybeyouloseasteerandlearnnottomakesomethingswithyoureyesatmarriedmen，"Mrs。Shimerdatoldherhectoringly。
Lenaonlysmiledhersleepysmile。`Inevermadeanythingtohimwithmyeyes。Ican"thelpitifhehangsaround，andIcan"torderhimoff。
Itain"tmyprairie。"
V
AFTERLENACAMEToBlackHawk，Ioftenmetherdowntown，whereshewouldbematchingsewingsilkorbuying`findings"forMrs。Thomas。
IfIhappenedtowalkhomewithher，shetoldmeallaboutthedressesshewashelpingtomake，oraboutwhatshesawandheardwhenshewaswithTinySoderballatthehotelonSaturdaynights。
TheBoys"HomewasthebesthotelonourbranchoftheBurlington，andallthecommercialtravellersinthatterritorytriedtogetintoBlackHawkforSunday。TheyusedtoassembleintheparlouraftersupperonSaturdaynights。MarshallField"sman，AnsonKirkpatrick，playedthepianoandsangallthelatestsentimentalsongs。
AfterTinyhadhelpedthecookwashthedishes，sheandLenasatontheothersideofthedoubledoorsbetweentheparlourandthedining-room，listeningtothemusicandgigglingatthejokesandstories。
LenaoftensaidshehopedIwouldbeatravellingmanwhenIgrewup。
Theyhadagaylifeofit；nothingtodobutrideaboutontrainsalldayandgototheatreswhentheywereinbigcities。
Behindthehoteltherewasanoldstorebuilding，wherethesalesmenopenedtheirbigtrunksandspreadouttheirsamplesonthecounters。
TheBlackHawkmerchantswenttolookatthesethingsandordergoods，andMrs。Thomas，thoughshewasIretailtrade，"waspermittedtoseethemandto`getideas。"Theywereallgenerous，thesetravellingmen；
theygaveTinySoderballhandkerchiefsandglovesandribbonsandstripedstockings，andsomanybottlesofperfumeandcakesofscentedsoapthatshebestowedsomeofthemonLena。
OneafternoonintheweekbeforeChristmas，IcameuponLenaandherfunny，square-headedlittlebrotherChris，standingbeforethedrugstore，gazinginatthewaxdollsandblocksandNoah"sArksarrangedinthefrostyshowwindow。TheboyhadcometotownwithaneighbourtodohisChristmasshopping，forhehadmoneyofhisownthisyear。
Hewasonlytwelve，butthatwinterhehadgotthejobofsweepingouttheNorwegianchurchandmakingthefireiniteverySundaymorning。
Acoldjobitmusthavebeen，too！
WewentintoDuckford"sdry-goodsstore，andChrisunwrappedallhispresentsandshowedthemtomesomethingforeachofthesixyoungerthanhimself，evenarubberpigforthebaby。
LenahadgivenhimoneofTinySoderball"sbottlesofperfumeforhismother，andhethoughthewouldgetsomehandkerchiefstogowithit。Theywerecheap，andhehadn"tmuchmoneyleft。
WefoundatablefulofhandkerchiefsspreadoutforviewatDuckford"s。Chriswantedthosewithinitiallettersinthecorner，becausehehadneverseenanybefore。
Hestudiedthemseriously，whileLenalookedoverhisshoulder，tellinghimshethoughttheredletterswouldholdtheircolourbest。
HeseemedsoperplexedthatIthoughtperhapshehadn"tenoughmoney，afterall。Presentlyhesaidgravely:
`Sister，youknowmother"snameisBerthe。Idon"tknowifI
oughttogetBforBerthe，orMforMother。"
Lenapattedhisbristlyhead。`I"dgettheB，Chrissy。
Itwillpleaseherforyoutothinkabouthername。
Nobodyevercallsherbyitnow。"
Thatsatisfiedhim。Hisfaceclearedatonce，andhetookthreeredsandthreeblues。Whentheneighbourcameintosaythatitwastimetostart，LenawoundChris"scomforterabouthisneckandturneduphisjacketcollar——hehadnoovercoat——
andwewatchedhimclimbintothewagonandstartonhislong，colddrive。Aswewalkedtogetherupthewindystreet，Lenawipedhereyeswiththebackofherwoollenglove。
`Igetawfulhomesickforthem，allthesame，"shemurmured，asifshewereansweringsomerememberedreproach。
VI
WINTERCOMESDOWNSAVAGELYoveralittletownontheprairie。
Thewindthatsweepsinfromtheopencountrystripsawayalltheleafyscreensthathideoneyardfromanotherinsummer，andthehousesseemtodrawclosertogether。Theroofs，thatlookedsofarawayacrossthegreentree-tops，nowstareyouintheface，andtheyaresomuchuglierthanwhentheiranglesweresoftenedbyvinesandshrubs。
Inthemorning，whenIwasfightingmywaytoschoolagainstthewind，Icouldn"tseeanythingbuttheroadinfrontofme；
butinthelateafternoon，whenIwascominghome，thetownlookedbleakanddesolatetome。Thepale，coldlightofthewintersunsetdidnotbeautify——itwaslikethelightoftruthitself。
Whenthesmokycloudshunglowinthewestandtheredsunwentdownbehindthem，leavingapinkflushonthesnowyroofsandthebluedrifts，thenthewindsprangupafresh，withakindofbittersong，asifitsaid:`Thisisreality，whetheryoulikeitornot。Allthosefrivolitiesofsummer，thelightandshadow，thelivingmaskofgreenthattrembledovereverything，theywerelies，andthisiswhatwasunderneath。
Thisisthetruth。"Itwasasifwewerebeingpunishedforlovingthelovelinessofsummer。
IfIloiteredontheplaygroundafterschool，orwenttothepost-officeforthemailandlingeredtohearthegossipaboutthecigar-stand，itwouldbegrowingdarkbythetimeIcamehome。Thesunwasgone；
thefrozenstreetsstretchedlongandbluebeforeme；thelightswereshiningpaleinkitchenwindows，andIcouldsmellthesupperscookingasIpassed。Fewpeoplewereabroad，andeachoneofthemwashurryingtowardafire。Theglowingstovesinthehouseswerelikemagnets。
Whenonepassedanoldman，onecouldseenothingofhisfacebutarednosestickingoutbetweenafrostedbeardandalongplushcap。
Theyoungmencaperedalongwiththeirhandsintheirpockets，andsometimestriedaslideontheicysidewalk。Thechildren，intheirbrighthoodsandcomforters，neverwalked，butalwaysranfromthemomenttheylefttheirdoor，beatingtheirmittensagainsttheirsides。
WhenIgotasfarastheMethodistChurch，Iwasabouthalfwayhome。
IcanrememberhowgladIwaswhentherehappenedtobealightinthechurch，andthepaintedglasswindowshoneoutatusaswecamealongthefrozenstreet。Inthewinterbleaknessahungerforcolourcameoverpeople，liketheLaplander"scravingforfatsandsugar。
Withoutknowingwhy，weusedtolingeronthesidewalkoutsidethechurchwhenthelampswerelightedearlyforchoirpracticeorprayer-meeting，shiveringandtalkinguntilourfeetwerelikelumpsofice。
Thecruderedsandgreensandbluesofthatcolouredglassheldusthere。
Onwinternights，thelightsintheHarlings"windowsdrewmelikethepaintedglass。Insidethatwarm，roomyhousetherewascolour，too。
AftersupperIusedtocatchupmycap，stickmyhandsinmypockets，anddivethroughthewillowhedgeasifwitcheswereafterme。
Ofcourse，ifMr。Harlingwasathome，ifhisshadowstoodoutontheblindofthewestroom，Ididnotgoin，butturnedandwalkedhomebythelongway，throughthestreet，wonderingwhatbookI
shouldreadasIsatdownwiththetwooldpeople。
Suchdisappointmentsonlygavegreaterzesttothenightswhenweactedcharades，orhadacostumeballinthebackparlour，withSallyalwaysdressedlikeaboy。Francestaughtustodancethatwinter，andshesaid，fromthefirstlesson，thatAntoniawouldmakethebestdanceramongus。
OnSaturdaynights，Mrs。Harlingusedtoplaytheoldoperasforus——"Martha，"`Norma，"`Rigoletto"——tellingusthestorywhilesheplayed。EverySaturdaynightwaslikeaparty。
Theparlour，thebackparlour，andthedining-roomwerewarmandbrightlylighted，withcomfortablechairsandsofas，andgaypicturesonthewalls。Onealwaysfeltateasethere。
Antoniabroughthersewingandsatwithus——shewasalreadybeginningtomakeprettyclothesforherself。
Afterthelongwintereveningsontheprairie，withAmbrosch"ssullensilencesandhermother"scomplaints，theHarlings"
houseseemed，asshesaid，`likeHeaven"toher。
Shewasnevertootiredtomaketaffyorchocolatecookiesforus。
IfSallywhisperedinherear，orCharleygaveherthreewinks，Tonywouldrushintothekitchenandbuildafireintherangeonwhichshehadalreadycookedthreemealsthatday。
Whilewesatinthekitchenwaitingforthecookiestobakeorthetaffytocool，NinausedtocoaxAntoniatotellherstories——aboutthecalfthatbrokeitsleg，orhowYulkasavedherlittleturkeysfromdrowninginthefreshet，oraboutoldChristmasesandweddingsinBohemia。
Ninainterpretedthestoriesaboutthecrechefancifully，andinspiteofourderisionshecherishedabeliefthatChristwasborninBohemiaashorttimebeforetheShimerdasleftthatcountry。WealllikedTony"sstories。Hervoicehadapeculiarlyengagingquality；itwasdeep，alittlehusky，andonealwaysheardthebreathvibratingbehindit。
Everythingshesaidseemedtocomerightoutofherheart。
Oneeveningwhenwewerepickingoutkernelsforwalnuttaffy，Tonytoldusanewstory。
`Mrs。Harling，didyoueverhearaboutwhathappenedupintheNorwegiansettlementlastsummer，whenIwasthreshingthere？
WewereatIversons"，andIwasdrivingoneofthegrain-wagons。"
Mrs。Harlingcameoutandsatdownamongus。`Couldyouthrowthewheatintothebinyourself，Tony？"Sheknewwhatheavyworkitwas。
`Yes，ma"m，Idid。IcouldshoveljustasfastasthatfatAndernboythatdrovetheotherwagon。Onedayitwasjustawfulhot。
Whenwegotbacktothefieldfromdinner，wetookthingskindofeasy。Themenputinthehorsesandgotthemachinegoing，andOleIversonwasuponthedeck，cuttingbands。Iwassittingagainstastraw-stack，tryingtogetsomeshade。Mywagonwasn"tgoingoutfirst，andsomehowIfelttheheatawfulthatday。
Thesunwassohotlikeitwasgoingtoburntheworldup。
AfterawhileIseeamancomingacrossthestubble，andwhenhegotcloseIseeitwasatramp。Histoesstuckoutofhisshoes，andhehadn"tshavedforalongwhile，andhiseyeswasawfulredandwild，likehehadsomesickness。
Hecomesrightupandbeginstotalklikeheknowsmealready。
Hesays:`Thepondsinthiscountryisdonegotsolowamancouldn"tdrowndhimselfinoneof"em。"
`Itoldhimnobodywantedtodrowndthemselves，butifwedidn"thaverainsoonwe"dhavetopumpwaterforthecattle。
`“Oh，cattle，“hesays，“you"llalltakecareofyourcattle！
Ain"tyougotnobeerhere？“Itoldhimhe"dhavetogototheBohemiansforbeer；theNorwegiansdidn"thavenonewhentheythreshed。
“MyGod！“hesays，“soit"sNorwegiansnow，isit？IthoughtthiswasAmericy。“
`ThenhegoesuptothemachineandyellsouttoOleIverson，“Hello，partner，letmeupthere。Icancutbands，andI"mtiredoftrampin"。Iwon"tgonofarther。“
`ItriedtomakesignstoOle，"causeIthoughtthatmanwascrazyandmightgetthemachinestoppedup。
ButOle，hewasgladtogetdownoutofthesunandchaff——
itgetsdownyourneckandstickstoyousomethingawfulwhenit"shotlikethat。SoOlejumpeddownandcrawledunderoneofthewagonsforshade，andthetrampgotonthemachine。