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Queen of Spades
by
The farmer was polite, but nothing more. If there was one thing beyond all others with which he could dispense, it was a beau for Sue.
Sue gave her father a significant, disappointed glance, which meant, “I won’t get my present to day”; but he turned and said to Hiram, “Dig the hole right there, two feet across, eighteen inches deep.” Then he started for the house. While not ready for suitors, his impulse to bestow hospitality was prompt.
The alert Mr. Minturn had observed the girl’s glance, and knew that the farmer had gone to prepare his wife for a guest. He determined not to remain unless assured of a welcome. “Come, Miss Banning,” he said, “we are at least friends, and should be frank. How much misunderstanding and trouble would often be saved if people would just speak their thought! This is your birthday–YOUR DAY. It should not be marred by any one. It would distress me keenly if I were the one to spoil it. Why not believe me literally and have your way absolutely about this day? I could come another time. Now show that a country girl, at least, can speak her mind.”
With an embarrassed little laugh she answered, “I’m half inclined to take you at your word; but it would look so inhospitable.”
“Bah for looks! The truth, please. By the way, though, you never looked better than in that trim blue walking-suit.”
“Old outgrown working-suit, you mean. How sincere you are!”
“Indeed I am. Well, I’m de trop; that much is plain. You will let me come another day, won’t you?”
“Yes, and I’ll be frank too and tell you about THIS day. Father’s a busy man, and his spring work is beginning, but as my birthday- present he has given me all his time and all Hiram’s yonder. Well, I learned in the city how trees improved a home; and I had planned to spend this long day in setting out trees–planned it ever since my return. So you see–“
“Of course I see and approve,” cried Minturn. “I know now why I had such a wild impulse to come out here to-day. Why, certainly. Just fancy me a city tramp looking for work, and not praying I won’t find it, either. I’ll work for my board. I know how to set out trees. I can prove it, for I planted those thrifty fellows growing about our house in town. Think how much more you’ll accomplish, with another man to help–one that you can order around to your heart’s content.”
“The idea of my putting you to work!”
“A capital idea! and if a man doesn’t work when a woman puts him at it he isn’t worth the powder–I won’t waste time even in original remarks. I’ll promise you there will be double the number of trees out by night. Let me take your father’s spade and show you how I can dig. Is this the place? If I don’t catch up with Hiram, you may send the tramp back to the city.” And before she could remonstrate, his coat was off and he at work.
Laughing, yet half in doubt, she watched him. The way he made the earth fly was surprising. “Oh, come,” she said after a few moments, “you have shown your goodwill. A steam-engine could not keep it up at that rate.”
“Perhaps not; but I can. Before you engage me, I wish you to know that I am equal to old Adam, and can dig.”
“Engage you!” she thought with a little flutter of dismay. “I could manage him with the help of town conventionalities; but how will it be here? I suppose I can keep father and Hiram within earshot, and if he is so bent on–well, call it a lark, since he has referred to that previous bird, perhaps I might as well have a lark too, seeing it’s my birthday.” Then she spoke. “Mr. Minturn!”
“I’m busy.”