There was no silver to care for, no delicate glass or valuable china; the very simplicity of apparatus made the house an easy one to keep.

Clover was kept busy, for simplify as you will, providing for the daily needs of two persons does take time; but she liked her cares and rarely felt tired.

The elastic and vigorous air seemed to build up her forces from moment to moment, and each day's fatigues were more than repaired by each night's rest, which is the balance of true health in living.
Little pleasures came from time to time.

Christmas Day they spent with the Hopes, who from first to last proved the kindest and most helpful of friends to them.

The young men from the High Valley were there also, and the day was brightly kept,--from the home letters by the early mail to the grand merry-making and dance with which it wound up.