And whenever the farm could spare him for a longer time, he was off to the woods with his gun; to fetch home rabbits at least, if no other game was to be had.

But all the while his own ground lay waste.

To whomsoever the summer was good, he reckoned it a fruitless summer to him.
In the multitude of their enjoyments of out-door things, the girls took very naturally to the unwonted ways and usages of the country household.

The farm living and the farm hours seemed to have no disgust for them.

In the hot weather the doors often all stood open; and they sat in the keeping-room, and in the kitchen, and in their own room, and seemed to find all pleasant.
So one night Elizabeth and Mrs.Landholm were alone in the kitchen.