e it is my none too happy work to plow the west eighty where she
can't look our way without seeing me; and I have got to whistle my
favourite 'toon' where she must stop her ears if she doesn't hear; and
then it will be my painful task, I fear, to endeavour to convince her
that I am still clean, decent, and not degraded."

"Oh Laddie!" cried mother.

"Abominable foolishness!" roared father like he does roar once in about
two years.

"Isn't it now?" asked Laddie sweetly. "I don't know what has got into
her head. She has seen me plowing fifty times since their land has
joined ours, and she never objected before."

"I can tell you blessed well!" said mother. "She didn't care two hoots
how much my son plowed, but it makes a difference when it comes to her
lover."

"Maw, you speak amazing reckless," said Laddie, "if I thought there was
anything in THAT feature of the case, I'd attempt a Highland fling on
the ridgepole of our barn."

"Be serious!" said father sternly. "This is no laughing matter."

"That's precisely why I am laughing," said Laddie. "Would it help me
any to sit down and weep? I trow not! I have thought most of the
silent watches--by the way they are far from silent in May--and as I
read my title clear, it's my job to plow the west eighty immejit."

Father tried to look stern, but he just had to laugh.

"All right then, plow it!" he said.

"What did she say?" asked mother.

"Phew!" Laddie threw up both hands. "She must have been bottled some
time on the subject. The ferment was a spill of considerable
magnitude. The flood rather overwhelmed me, because it was so
unexpected. I had been taking for granted that she accepted my
circumstances and surroundings as she did me. But no, kind friends,
far otherwise! She said last night, in the clearest English I ever
heard spoken impromptu, that I was a man suitable for her friend, but I
would have to change my occupation before I could be received on more
than a friendly footing."

"'On more than a friendly footing'?" repeated mother.

"You have her exact words," said Laddie. "Kindly pass the ham."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing! I am going to plow the answer. Please don't object to my
beginning this morning."

"You try yourself all winter to get as far as you have, and then upset
the bowl like this?" cried mother.

"Softly, mummy, softly!" said Laddie. "What am I to do? I've
definitely decided on my work. I see land and life, as y