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.” 
“TI 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 Vormania breaks a shaft.” 
“JT 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 
