"But seriously, Mother dear, I think we can weather this winter right enough.

Our food supply is practically visible.

We have oats enough for man and beast, a couple of pigs to kill, a steer also, not to speak of chickens and ducks.

We shall have some cattle to sell, and if our crops are good we ought to be able to pay off those notes.

Oh, why will Dad buy machinery ?" "My dear," said her mother with gentle reproach, "your father says machinery is cheaper than men and we really cannot do without machines." "That's all right, Mother.