Vinie, why don't you have your gate mended ?" "It always was broken," said Vinie.

"I'm always meaning to have it mended.

Will you sit on the porch, ma'am?
It's cooler than inside." The short path was lined with zinnias and with prince's feather and the porch covered with a shady grapevine.

Vinie brought a pitcher beaded with cool well water, and then a salver spread with fanciful shapes cut from the delicate green rind of melon and ready for preserving.

Mrs.
Selden drank the well water and approved Vinie's skill; then, "Your brother's gone to North Garden," she said abruptly.