They went into the house, and found Eunice preparing to make the bread which she had mixed early in the morning. Fidelia set the rocking-chair for her sister, and took the making of the bread into her own hands. "About the garden, Miss Eunice? What are you going to do about it?" said Jabez. "I shall want some help, I suppose--a good deal of help. Can I depend on you, Jabez?" "Well, I've been talking a little with grandpa about what I want to do this summer. He wants me to work along with Mr Grimes for a spell. You know, Fidelia, Grimes has got grandpa's farm on shares this year, and he would like to hire me." "Well, and why not?" "I can do better--that's about it." "And what do you wish to do?" "Well, that's just what I want to talk about." "I shall be glad to have your help when you can be spared," said Eunice. Jabez seemed to have a difficulty in sitting quietly in his chair. He fidgeted about, and let his hoe fall, and then picked it up and carried it out into the porch; then laid his cap on the floor, and straightened himself up, and said gravely,-- "Look here, Miss Eunice, I guess it won't hurt anybody just to have a little talk about it. I want you to let me have your garden this summer--on shares if you say so; but I'd rather pay rent for it." "Why, Jabez, you surprise me!" said Eunice gently. Fidelia laughed. "Go on, Jabez. Tell us all about it." "Well, I will. In the first place, I want to show grandpa that I _can_ do something; and, in the second place, I want to make some money this summer. I think I see my way clear to do both, if things happen right." "And what do you want money for?" asked Fidelia. "Oh, well, I guess 'most everybody wants money! But look here now. I have not told grandpa yet--it wouldn't help me with him, but I'd as lief tell _you_ two as not. Supposin' we have Mr Fuller here again next winter, I'm willing to go to school here, and do chores for Miss Eunice and at grandpa's next winter, as I have this winter. But if he doesn't come here, I'm going to Scranton Academy. And if I _do_ go, I expect I'll have to help pay my own way." Fidelia nodded and smiled. "But your grandfather? You must consult him, Jabez," said Miss Eunice, gravely. "I mean to--after a spell. But it isn't best to worry him with too many new ideas at once. Now see here, Miss Eunice--this is the whole concern. There was a lot of city company in our town last summer, and the cry among them was for fresh fruit and garden sass. There's going to be more of them here this summer, down the street in the hotel, and over at the Corners, and all around. This part of the state's got to be quite popular with city folks, and I should like to have the chance to supply them early." "But do you know anything about a garden?" asked Fidelia, greatly interested.