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And yet, there they stopped in front of his gate!
Three weeks later she
returned with a livery team which she hadhired in town. Her eyes showed a new
_expression_: there was a dreamy quality inthem .
Horses, cows, and pigs were a
semblance of company. Surely, he said, there is very little differencewhether
you fry eggs for two or for three. She made an attempt to be
friendly,conciliating: as if she wished to make up for her absence.
Yes, in the
White Range Line House anindefinable change was taking place between husband
and wife. Was there anything in it that bound man and wife together?
Look here,
old man, Nelson said, anything wrong? When the time came, Niels went to town to
get his wife.
He had neverbeen in the city himself except when he had passed
through as animmigrant.
Nelson lifted the children into the cutter, Niels
standing by,facing the house.
How if Itook you over as soon as threshing is
done? Why, that hail-storm means money inmy pocket!
Niels, in sudden blind
rage, went to the house at once.
Excuse me a moment, Niels said as he
ponderously stepped backinto the almost bare front room. From behind the mask,
the woman peered out,helpless, at bay, mortally frightened.
Nelson whispered
slyly, nudging Niels with hiselbow.
The incident was not repeated during the
fall.
She was making preparations to go on a fourth trip.
Without glancingat
them, she thrust them into her waist or the pocket of herdressing gown.
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