MATCH-MAKING 359 



< If it will cover a crow's back on the Fourth of 

 July, it will make good corn,' and I am farmer- 

 ing with old saws when I can't find new ones." 



" It's all of three weeks yet to the Fourth of 

 July, and your corn will cover a turkey by that 

 time." 



" I hope so, but we shan't be here to see it, 

 more's the pity, as Sir Tom would say." 



" Do you know, Kate says she won't go over. 

 She doesn't think it would pay for so short a 

 trip. Why do you insist upon eight weeks ? " 



Well, now, I like that ! When did I ever 

 insist on anything, Mrs. Williams ? Not since I 

 knew you well, did I ? But be honest, Polly. 

 Who has done the cutting down of this trip ? 

 You and the youngsters may stay as long as you 

 please, but I will be back here September 1st 

 unless the Normania breaks a shaft." 



" I wish we could go over on a German boat. 

 I hate the Cunarders." 



" So do I, but we must land at Queenstown. 

 We must put Sir Tom under the sod at that 

 little castle out from Sligo. Then we can do 

 Holland and Belgium, and have a week or ten 

 days in London." 



That will be enough. I do hope Johnson will 

 take good care of my flowers ; it's the very most 

 important time, you know, and if he neglects 

 them " 



"He won't neglect them, Polly; even if he 

 does, they can be easily replaced. But the hay 



