The boys won't go to college; but seeing they will have to earn their
own living, that, perhaps, is just as well. It is mother, poor dear,
that worries so." She laughed again. "Her favourite walk is to the
workhouse. She came back quite excited the other day because she had
heard the Guardians intend to try the experiment of building separate
houses for old married couples. She is convinced she and father are
going to end their days there."
"You, as the business partner," I asked her, "are hopeful that the
farm will pay?"
"Oh, yes," she answered, "it will pay all right--it does pay, for the
matter of that. We live on it and live comfortably. But, of course,
I can see mother's point of view, with seven young children to bring
up. And it is not only that." She stopped herself abruptly. "Oh,
well," she continued with a laugh, "you have got to know us. Father
is trying. He loves experiments, and a woman hates experiments.
Last year it was bare feet. I daresay it is healthier. But children
who have been about in bare feet all the morning--well, it isn't
pleasant when they sit down to lunch; I don't care what you say. You
can't be always washing. He is so unpractical. He was quite angry
with mother and myself because we wouldn't. And a man in bare feet
looks so ridiculous. This summer it is short hair and no hats; and
Sally had such pretty hair. Next year it will be sabots or turbans--
something or other suggesting the idea that we've lately escaped from
a fair.
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