202 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



Throwing down the armful of sticks she held, she 

 brushed away the leaves, and displayed one of the brown 

 clusters of leaves where a strawberry plant had stood. 

 From the centre a tiny green point thrust its head through 

 the soil. 



11 Very good, though I don't see the blossoms." 



"I did, I'm sure. I saw a plant that had one. Oh ! 

 they are coming, I know, and we shall have a mighty big 

 crop." 



" What language, Kate ! How can you ? " 



Kate never replied, but gathering her bundle of brush 

 together marched away toward the house, talking the 

 while. 



" Oh ! I know we'll do it this time. We will get our 

 hundred dollars sure and the grapes and the pears; 

 perhaps they will bear this year, and then then we shall 

 not have to move this year. Aren't you glad, Polly ? I 

 am." 



"Yes," said Mary, listlessly. "It will be well, I 

 suppose." 



" You don't seem to care much." 



" No, I do not." 



Kate disappeared with her load, and Mary turned to 

 Johnny. 



" What are you doing ? " 



"Getting ready for the spring. Aren't you glad it's 

 come, Polly?" 



