o r H ( o r x T R v n o M E 



to us. Of course the kitchen was put in order for the big house. 

 We \vere very proud of that kitchen; indeed, \ve are still. The 

 wall> are pure white, with short bright blue-and-white cretonne 

 curtains over the five high windows. The plain low plaster hood 

 over the range is fitted with an extra flue in the chimney, which 

 carrie> away the fumes from the cooking and leaves the kitchen 

 surprisingly cool in summer. A temporary partition was built 

 across the end where the passage-way would ultimately lead to the 

 big house. 



In absorbed delight we watched the house itself progress from 

 joists and uprights, hidden brick courses, wire lathing, and the plas- 

 ter coats, up to the shingled roof. It is vastly interesting to watch a 

 wooden house grow, the placing of each timber brings out so sharplv 

 the completed outline. We were never tired of contemplating it 

 from every point of the compass, and it was with a distinct thrill, 

 that after climbing a ladder and stepping gingerly over joists. I raised 

 my eyes for the first time to look out of what was to be a window in 

 my own room! 



One morning we found a discouraged painter trying to fill the 

 big cracks in the great rough-hewn Mississippi pine timbers with 

 putt ;i. When we told him that we liked cracks, he was speechless. 



The Constant Improver wanted to use the old Southern 

 '' shakes." for the roof. '' They do curl up and look so picturesque," 

 he said. 



" Hut how about keeping the water out ? " I ventured to inquire. 



34 



