and the carpet rags escaped to the kitchen.

But spring was near, and Margaret thought: "He can't keep us out of
the spare room in summer; and, besides, we can be out-of-doors."

June came, with her blue skies, her singing birds, her wealth of
beauty. But there was no time at Stillman's to enjoy it. A larger crop
than usual had been put in, and extra hands employed, but not in the
house. Why, there were five women, counting frail little ten-year-old
Susy as one, and poor, delicate Mrs. Stillman as another! What extra
help could they need, although washing and cooking must be done for
all the men? You see, "hands" could be got much cheaper if they were
boarded--and what else had the women to do?

It was true, mother was not as strong as she used to be; but she did
not complain. She was only more shadowy and quiet; and Mr. Stillman
told his daughters to "stir around" themselves, and not let their
mother do all the work.

"Oh, dear," said Margaret one morning, as she and Rachel were bending
over the wash-tubs, while Susy labored at the heavy churning and the
mother and Elizabeth were preparing dinner. "I wish we could go to the
picnic on the Fourth; everybody's going."

"Maybe we can," said Rachel, hopefully. "I heard father say the wheat
was late this year, and he did not believe it would do to cut before
the sixth. And oh, Margaret, I heard him say your calf would bring at
least ten dollars; and if he gives you the money, you can get a new
white dress and give me your old one. It is lots too small for you."

Margaret laughed. "Yes," she said; "father said if I could raise the
calf I might have it. Didn't I have a time with it, though, it was so
near dead! Of course I will fix my old dress up for you--that is, if
I get the money. Sometimes I think father's queer; he did not give
Elizabeth the money when he sold that colt he had given her." And both
girls were silent.

Out in the barnyard, as the girls worked, Mr. Stillman and Tom were
putting the pretty calf in the wagon preparatory to taking it to the
butcher in the town a few miles distant. When the girls went in to
dinner the men had finished theirs, and were lounging in the shady
yard enjoying their nooning.

As they were about to sit down at the table, Mr. Stillman handed
Margaret a package, saying, "There's your share of that spotted calf,
Margaret."

"My share!" she exclaimed. "Why, you gave me the calf; you had no
right to it."

As she spoke she open