That was the worst of it.

I am not much of a farmer, though farming's all right there, and I was away almost all of the time.

I guess that made it pretty hard for the missis and the kids." At this point the Widow Martin came in to lay the table for tea.

Mr.
Sleighter took the hint and rose to go.
"You will do us the pleasure of staying for tea, Mr.Sleighter ?" said Mrs.Gwynne earnestly.
"Oh, do," said the youngest little girl, Nora, whose snapping black eyes gleamed with eager desire to hear more of the wonderful western land.
"Yes, do, and tell us more," said the boy.
"I hope you will be able to stay," continued Mrs.Gwynne.
Mr.Sleighter glanced at her husband.

"Why, certainly," said Mr.Gwynne, "we would be glad to have you." Still Mr.Sleighter hesitated.