dearly love to have the Dutch ones, and
a white cloth with a yellow border, glass where it is necessary, and
silver knives, forks, and spoons."

"That would be great, all right!" endorsed the decorator. "And you have
got a priceless old lustre tea set there, and your willow ware is as
fine as I ever saw. If I were you, I wouldn't buy a dish with what you
have, except the yellow set."

"Great day!" ejaculated the Harvester. "Will you tell me why my great
grandmother's old pink and green teapot is priceless?"

The Girl explained pink lustre. "That set in the shop I knew in Chicago
would sell for from three to five hundred dollars. Truly it would! I've
seen one little pink and green pitcher like yours bring nine dollars
there. And you've not only got the full tea set, but water and dip
pitchers, two bowls, and two bread plates. They are priceless, because
the secret of making them is lost; they take on beauty with age, and
they were your great-grandmother's."

The Harvester reached over and energetically shook hands.

"Ruth, I'm so glad you've got them!" he bubbled. "Now elucidate on my
willow ware. What is it? Where is it? Why have I willow ware and am not
informed. Who is responsible for this? Did my ancestors buy better than
they knew, or worse? Is willow ware a crime for which I must hide
my head, or is it further riches thrust upon me? I thought I had
investigated the subject of proper dishes quite thoroughly; but I am
very certain I saw no mention of lustre or willow. I thought, in my
ignorance, that lustre was a dress, and willow a tree. Have I been
deceived? Why is a blue plate or pitcher willow ware?"

"Bring that platter from the mantel," ordered the Girl, "and I will show
you."

The Harvester obeyed and followed the finger that traced the design.

"That's a healthy willow tree!" he commented. "If Loon Lake couldn't go
ahead of that it should be drained. And will you please tell me why this
precious platter from which I have eaten much stewed chicken, fried ham,
and in youthful days sopped the gravy----will you tell me why this relic
of my ancestors is called a willow plate, when there are a majority of
orange trees so extremely fruitful they have neglected to grow a leaf?
Why is it not an orange plate? Look at that boat! And in plain sight of
it, two pagodas, a summer house, a water-sweep, and a pair of corpulent
swallows; you would have me believe that a couple are eloping in broad
daylight."

"Perh