260 THE GARDEN OF A 



father's desk in the study, and one for M 

 Corkle, whom I found down in the garden before 

 breakfast, gazing at the flowers in a state of pensive 

 admiration. Martha has not had her usual spring 

 and snap of late. I've been afraid t. te is too 



hot for her, and I was glad to have a chance to speak 

 with her, out of doors. 



" No, Mrs. Evan, I can't say as I do r 

 like. Some'ats come over me, and no dis: 



hink it's the beer, Mrs. Evan, or, I should 

 ant o' it." 



>eer ? " I asked in alarm, visions of the 

 stately Martha overcome by dri; r efore me. 



r knew o . mber, 



Mrs. Evan, ' f \ country we all had our 



allowance of 

 meat and dr 

 being hous, 



the week. ; >r how 



can the lady give that would 



upset anot v d not take the 



responsibility of '. to Delia, she bein' 



Irish and so hot-headed ; and Eliza would take it to 

 heart sore, she thinkin' all beers and liquors the Devil's 

 dish-water, though ^nVHeln ncrself one of the 

 cheese breed of women that a drop o' beer would 



