he had
suggested. Everything was so improved, Kate felt better. She began to
sew, to read, to sit for long periods in profound thought, then to take
walks that brought back her strength and colour. So through the winter
and toward the approach of spring they lived in greater comfort. With
Kate's help, George was doing so well with the school that he was
frequently complimented by the parents. That he was trying to do good
work and win the approval of both pupils and parents was evident to
Kate. Once he said to her that he wondered if it would be a good thing
for him to put in an application for the school the coming winter.
Kate stared at him in surprise: "But your profession," she objected.
"You should be in your office and having enough practice to support us
by then."

"Yes, I should!" he said. "But this is a new thing, and you know how
these clodhoppers are."

"If I came as near living in the country, and worked at farming as much
as you do, that's the last thing I would call any human being," said
Kate. "I certainly do know how they are, and what I know convinces me
that you need not look to them for any patients."

"You seem to think I won't have any from any source," he said hotly.

"I confess myself dubious," said Kate. "You certainly are, or you
wouldn't be talking of teaching."

"Well, I'll just show you!" he cried.

"I'm waiting," said Kate. "But as we must live in the meantime, and it
will be so long before I can earn anything again, and so much expense,
possibly it would be a good idea to have the school to fall back on, if
you shouldn't have the patients you hope for this summer. I think you
have done well with the school. Do your level best until the term
closes, and you may have a chance."

Laughing scornfully, he repeated his old boast: "I'll just show you!"

"Go ahead," said Kate. "And while you are at it, be generous. Show me
plenty. But in the meantime, save every penny you can, so you'll be
ready to pay the doctor's bills and furnish your office."

"I love you advice; it's so Batesy," he said. "I have money saved for
both contingencies you mention, but I'll tell you what I think, and
about this I'm the one who knows. I've told you repeatedly winter is
my best time. I've lost the winter trying to help you out; and I've
little chance until winter comes again. It takes cold weather to make
folks feel what ails their muscles, and my treatment is mostly
muscular. To save s