INS AND OUTS OF THE MATTER 349 



ing of accepting cousin Mary's offer to stay with her 

 and teach the Infant and a couple of other children 

 this winter, which may be well for superintending 

 the work, as I suppose you are off again with the 

 swallows, as usual." 



" Oh, no, you forget the reservoir and the tunnelling 

 of Three Brothers for the aqueduct to Bridgeton!" 



"Then let it be March first!" said Maria, after 

 hesitating a moment, during which she stood looking 

 back at Opal Farm lying at peace in the moonlight; 

 "only, in making the improvements, please do them as 

 if for any one else, and remember that it is to be a 

 strictly business affair!" 



"And why should you think that I would deal 

 otherwise by you?" The Man said quickly, stepping 

 close, where he could see the expression of her face. 



Maria, feeling herself cornered, did not answer 

 immediately, and half turned her face away, only for 

 a moment, however. Facing him, she said, "Because 

 men of your stamp are always good to women, 

 always doing them kindnesses both big and little 

 (ask Mary Penrose), and sometimes kindness hurts !" 



"Well, then, the lease and all pertaining to it shall 

 be strictly in the line of business until you yourself 

 ask for a modification, but be careful, I may be a 



