200 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



Sunday was warm and sloppy, and little could 

 be done out of doors. Part of the household were 

 for church, and the rest lounged until luncheon ; 

 then Polly read " Sonny " until twilight, and 

 Laura played strange music in the half-dark. 



The next day the men went into town to look 

 about, and to lunch with some college chums. 

 As they would not return until five, the ladies 

 had the day to themselves. They read a little, 

 slept a little, and talked much, and were glad 

 when five o'clock and the men came. Tea was 

 so hot and fragrant, the house so cosey, and the 

 girls so pretty, that Jack said : 



"What chumps we men were to waste the 

 whole day in town ! " 



" And what do you expect of men, Mr. Jack ? " 

 said Jessie. 



" Yes, I know, the old story of pearls and 

 swine, but there are pearls and pearls." 



Do you mean that there are more pearls than 

 swine, Mr. Jack ? For, if you do, I will take issue 

 with you." 



If I am a swine, I will be an aesthetic one and 

 wear the pearl that comes my way," said Jack, 

 looking steadily into the eyes of the high-headed 

 girl. 



Will you have one lump or two ? " 



One," said Jack, as he took his cup. 



The last day of the year came all too quickly 

 for both young and old at Four Oaks. Polly and 

 I went into hiding in the office in the afternoon 



