face a big squaw, and threatened the life of her baby with a
red-hot poker while she menaced mine with a hunting knife. There is
not one cold, rough, hard experience of pioneer life that I have not
endured. Shoulder to shoulder, and heart to heart, I've stood beside
my man, and done what had to be done, to build this home, rear our
children, save our property. Many's the night I have shivered in a
barn doctoring sick cattle and horses we could ill afford to lose.
Time and again I have hung on and brought things out alive, after the
men gave up and quit. A lady? How funny!"

"The amusement is all on your part, Madame."

"So it seems!" said mother. "But you see, I know so well how
ridiculous it is. When I think of the life a woman must lead in order
to be truly a lady, when I review the life I have been forced to live
to do my share in making this home, and rearing these children, the
contrast is too great. I thank God for any part I have been able to
take. Had I life to live over, I see now where I could do more; but
neighbour, believe me, my highest aspiration is to be a clean, thrifty
housekeeper, a bountiful cook, a faithful wife, a sympathetic mother.
That is life work for any woman, and to be a good woman is the greatest
thing on earth. Never mind about the ladies; if you can honestly say
of me, she is a good woman, you have paid me the highest possible
tribute."

"I have nothing to change, in the face of your argument," said Mr.
Pryor. "Our loved Queen on her throne is no finer lady."

That time mother didn't laugh. She looked straight at him a minute and
then she said: "Well, for an Englishman, as I know them, you have said
the last word. Higher praise there is none. But believe me, I make no
such claim. To be a good wife and mother is the end toward which I
aspire. To hold the respect and love of my husband is the greatest
object of my life."

"Then you have succeeded. You stand a monument to wifehood; your
children prove your idea of motherhood," said Mr. Pryor. "How in this
world have you managed it? The members of your family whom I have seen
are fine, interesting men and women, educated above the average. It is
not idle curiosity. I am deeply interested in knowing how such an end
came to be accomplished here on this farm. I wish you would tell me
just how you have gone about schooling your children."

"By educating ourselves before their coming, and with them afterward.
Self-con