"Well, it has just done me good to see you," said Mrs. Banning, smiling genially over her old-fashioned coffee-pot. "I feel highly complimented." "I doubt whether I shall be equal to another such compliment before the next birthday. I hope, Miss Susie, you have observed my efforts to do honor to the occasion?" "Oh," cried the girl, "I naturally supposed you were trying to get even in your bargain." "I hope to be about sundown. I'll get into those overalls at once, and I trust you will put on your walking-suit." "Yes, it will be a walking-suit for a short time. We must walk to the wood-lot for the trees, unless you prefer to ride.--Father, please tell Hiram to get the two-horse wagon ready." When the old people were left alone, the farmer said, "Well, mother, Sue HAS got a suitor, and if he don't suit her--" And then his wit gave out. "There, father, I never thought you'd come to that. It's well she has, for you will soon have to be taken care of." "He's got the muscle to do it. He shall have my law-business, anyway." "Thank the Lord, it isn't much; but that's not saying he shall have Sue." "Why, what have you against him?" "Nothing so far. I was only finding out if you had anything against him." "Lawyers, indeed! What would become of the men if women turned lawyers. Do you think Sue--" "Hush!" They all laughed till the tears came when Minturn again appeared dressed for work; but he nonchalantly lighted a cigar and was entirely at his ease. Sue was armed with thick gloves and a pair of pruning-nippers. Minturn threw a spade and pickaxe on his shoulder, and Mr. Banning, whom Sue had warned threateningly "never to be far away," tramped at their side as they went up the lane. Apparently there was no need of such precaution, for the young man seemed wholly bent on getting up the trees, most of which she had selected and marked during recent rambles. She helped now vigorously, pulling on the young saplings as they loosened the roots, then trimming them into shape. More than once, however, she detected glances, and his thoughts were more flattering than she imagined. "What vigor she has in that supple, rounded form! Her very touch ought to put life into these trees; I know it would into me. How young she looks in that comical old dress which barely reaches her ankles! Yes, Hal Minturn; and remember, that trim little ankle can put a firm foot down for or against you--so no blundering."