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Updated: May 6, 2025
"He'd bet he'd never give 'er another year's schoolin'. She'd come home an' get a summer school that's what she'd do. All folks thought about nowadays was clothes!" To Elizabeth Farnshaw every day of that busy month was full of unconscious growth. As soon as Mr. Farnshaw was out of sight, Mrs. Hornby said to Elizabeth: "Now, my child, I am going to take up the seams in that basque."
Farnshaw clung to her, so shaken by sobs that she still could not speak, and the penitent daughter soothed and comforted her with her own heart breaking at the thoughtlessness of her speech. "Put it away and don't remember it; I didn't mean it. I'm tired to death and and " She pondered a moment and then made the experiment. "And I want to speak of Aunt Susan to you.
That's where I made my mistake. I liked t' give up t' your pa at first an' then an' then he got t' thinkin' I didn't have no right t' want anything my way." Mrs. Farnshaw filled the hungry stove with cobs and studied the subject dejectedly. "I don't get my way about nothin'. I can't go t' town t' pick out a new dress that is bought with money I get from th' eggs, even.
Farnshaw resented the new carpet, she resented Susan Hornby, she resented the comradeship she felt existed between her daughter and this alien woman who was no relation to her by the ties of blood. Ignoring Aunt Susan's courteous attempts to make her feel welcome, she drove straight to the object of her visit and demanded that Elizabeth come home to be married.
Susan Hornby heard it too and caught the sick look on her face, but though she wondered about it she asked no questions, for Elizabeth Hunter was a woman of reserve. Elizabeth Hunter had developed a power unknown to Elizabeth Farnshaw. "Got a good many sheds built a'ready, I see," was the next remark the girl heard. "Yes," John replied, still devoting himself to the fire.
Farnshaw bargained for every straw stack he could find, but straw was a poor substitute for the corn and hay to which the cattle were accustomed, and as the weeks lengthened into months, and winter closed in, the unprotected cattle grew thinner and ever thinner. Corn was quoted in the markets at a dollar a bushel, but in fact was not to be had at any price.
Farnshaw, determined to let his onlooking neighbours see that he was not afraid, sprang forward and struck the squealing animal a stinging blow on the nose with his fist. Taken by surprise, the horse set back so suddenly that he broke the straps with which he and his mate were fastened to the reach, falling against the mare, who was thoroughly frightened by her master's menacing blow.
"Lots of girls have steady company and don't get married either," the girl replied hesitantly. "Oh, yes, but this is different," the mother said. "When's it goin' t' be?" "Some time in October," Elizabeth said, her words dragging. She had consented, but the mere mention of the time made her shrink. "Is th' house done?" Mrs. Farnshaw asked, her mind, like her hands, filled with practical concerns.
She could not talk this out with her mother listening, and if she did not do it now it would be forced upon her at supper, when her father was certain to be in his worst mood. Mr. Farnshaw always came to the table tired. Seeing Elizabeth coming toward him, Mr. Farnshaw dropped from the wagon and went to fill the swill pails. The hogs knew they were to be fed and set up their usual noisy clamour.
With a look of infinite contempt, he stooped and picked up a pail. "What a racket they do make," she remarked, smiling at him without offence. In spite of her smiling manner, Elizabeth was half sick with apprehension. It was not a propitious time to approach him, but Mr. Farnshaw watched to see that a propitious moment should not arrive when he was in one of his sulking fits.
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