LIFE IN THE HUT 



295 



home for life. How I loved the small and simple 

 ways of living, the happy absence of all complications, 

 the possibility of living close down to nature — I know 

 no better way of saying it — that seemed to leave one 

 more freedom to think and to do ! Though it is now 

 nearly bare, only sparely fitted with rough shelves 

 and benches for seed-drying and other such uses, I 

 often find myself thinking of it, furnished as it was 

 when I was in it, especially my cosy Httle parlour and 

 the pretty kitchen. 



How deliciously simple it all was, how small and 

 few the bills — a pound a week paid the housekeep- 

 ing. It was the same in everything. Even in a 

 matter like the sweeping of chimneys : instead of 

 having to call in a professional, a lad on a ladder with 

 a bunch of Holly on the end of a rope and a stone in 

 it, swept the chimney in good old country style in a 

 few minutes. I have heard of old farmers doing it 

 with a live duck ; but I hope never with a beautiful white 

 Aylesbury ! And then the comforting conviction that 

 drains could not possibly get out of order, for the good 

 reason that there were no drains; at least no long 

 hidden drains, only one short bit from the kitchen 

 sink, open at both ends and easily raked with a long 

 stick. 



If it were possible to simplify life to the utmost, 

 how little one really wants ! And is it a blessing or a 

 disadvantage to be so made that one mitst take keen 

 interest in many matters ; that, seeing something that 



