Then the barns and barn-yards, and the pens and sheds for the sheep and cattle, were all going to be much more convenient than they had been; so that Albert could take care of a greater amount of stock than before, with the same labor.

The new house, too, was going to be built in a much more pleasant situation than the old one, and the road from it to the corner was to be improved, so that they could go in and out with a wagon.

In a word, Mary Erskine's heart was filled with new hopes and anticipations, as she saw before her means and sources of happiness, higher and more extended than she had ever before enjoyed.
When the time approached for moving into the new house Mary Erskine occupied herself, whenever she had any leisure time, in packing up such articles as were not in use.

One afternoon while she was engaged in this occupation, Albert came home from the field much earlier than usual.

Mary Erskine was very glad to see him, as she wished him to nail up the box in which she had been packing her cups and saucers.
She was at work on the stoop, very near the door, so that she could watch the children.