artially acceptable since they could see that Hugh had
placed the property in his, John Hunter's, hands. When the uncomfortable
things wormed their way forward and would be considered, he tried to
reason them out. Some features of it could be accounted for; for instance,
he, John Hunter, had probably not been consulted by Hugh for legal
reasons, since the money was to come to them. Hugh must have considered
that. But Elizabeth had known! He had forgotten that. Right there John
went into a brown study. Had she known before Hugh's death? It was queer,
but she never mentioned Hugh these days, nor the will, nor--no, she did
not speak of the letter, much less offer to show it to him. Still, the
money was theirs. That was the solid rock under John Hunter's feet.
Whatever else happened, the money was theirs. Now he could open out and
farm on a scale befitting a man of his parts. They would make something
yet. This farming venture had not turned out so badly after all.

A slight rain was falling, the first in two months, two of the most
important months in the year; but it was only a drizzle and not enough to
benefit the corn, which--even the last planting--was ruined. The heat and
drought had forced a premature ripening, and the stubby ears, fully
formed, were empty of developing grains, except near the butts. It was
discouraging to lose the corn, and John, to take the place of the
shortened crop, had had a field plowed and sewed to millet. A promise of
rain meant a probable crop of that substitute for the heavier grain, but
it must be rain, not a mere shower. Disappointed at the stingy display of
water, John wandered about the house, disturbed by Jack's noise, and
irritably uncomfortable.

"Come on in and sit down," he urged when he saw that Elizabeth intended to
help Hepsie with the dishes.

"All right. Let the work go, Hepsie, and I'll do it later," Elizabeth said
quietly. She dreaded an hour with John when he was in that mood, but there
seemed to be no help for it.

The two women cleared the dinner table and righted the dining room before
they stopped, then Elizabeth closed the kitchen door and left the
dishwashing till she could get away from the conference requested. Hepsie
had hurried to get started early for her home and Elizabeth had entered
into her plans and offered assistance.

"Why don't you let Hepsie finish them alone?" John said petulantly.

Elizabeth made no reply, but took Jack on her lap and rocked him