Kate Takes the Bit in Her Teeth

The hackman was obliging, for after delivering the mail and some
parcels, he took Kate to her home. While she waited for him, she
walked the ravine bank planning about the mill which was now so
sure that she might almost begin work. Surely she might as soon
as she finished figuring, for she had visited the Court House in
Hartley and found that George's deeds were legal, and in proper
shape. Her mind was filled with plans which this time must
succeed.

As she approached the house she could see the children playing in
the yard. It was the first time she ever had been away from them;
she wondered if they had missed her. She was amazed to find that
they were very decidedly disappointed to see her; but a few
pertinent questions developed the reason. Their grandmother had
come with her sister; she had spent her time teaching them that
their mother was cold, and hard, and abused them, by not treating
them as other children were treated. So far as Kate could see
they had broken every rule she had ever laid down for them: eaten
until their stomachs were out of order, and played in their better
clothing, until it never would be nice again, while Polly shouted
at her approach: "Give ME the oranges and candy. I want to
divide them."

"Silly," said Kate. "This is too soon. I've no money yet, it
will be a long time before I get any; but you shall each have an
orange, some candy, and new clothing when I do. Now run see what
big fish you can catch."