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She saw him and came out to the gate, and while he leaned out of his carriage she rested her arms on the gate and looked up at him. She looked pale and sad, and he was touched.

"How’s the old lady?" he asked.

"Oh, she’s up! She is much change-ed. She is veak and quiet. "

"Quiet, is she? Well, that’s good. "

"She t’inks God strike her fer her vickedness. Never before did she fainted like dot. "

"Well, don’t spoil that notion in her. It may do her a world of good. "

"Der priest come. He saidt it wass a punishment. She saidt I should marry who I like. "

Claude looked at her searchingly. She was certainly much improved. All she needed was a little encouragement and advice, and she would make a handsome wife. If the old lady had softened down, her son-in-law could safely throw up the creamery job and become the boss of the farm. The old man was used up, and the farm needed someone right away.

He straightened up suddenly. "Get your hat," he sald, "and we’ll take a ride. "

She started erect, and he could see her pale face glow with joy.

"With you?"

"With me. Get your best hat. We may turn up at the minister’s and get married–if a Sunday marriage is legal. "

As she hurried up the walk he said to himself, "I’ll bet it gives Lucindy a shock!"

And the thought pleased him mightily.