had passed between them in this cool
All the associations of the place were pleasant to Alida. It was here that her husband had shown patience as well as kindness in teaching her how to supplement his work until her own experience and judgment gave her a better skill than he possessed. Many pleasant, laughing words had passed between them in this cool, shadowy place, and on a former rainy morning he had brought a chair down that he might keep her company. She had not carried it back, nor was she very greatly surprised to see him saunter in and occupy it on the present occasion. She stood by the churn, her figure outlined clearly in the light from the open door, as she poured in cold water from time to time to hasten and harden the gathering butter. Her right sleeve was rolled well back, revealing a white arm that was becoming beautifully plump and round. An artist would have said that her attitude and action were unconsciously natural and graceful. Holcroft had scarcely the remotest idea of artistic effect, but he had a sensible man’s perception of a charming woman when she is charming.
"Mr. Holcroft," she asked very gravely, "will you do something for me?"
"Yes, half a dozen things."
"You promise?"
"Certainly! What’s the trouble?"
"I don’t mean there shall be any if I can help it," she answered with a light ripple of laughter. "Please go and put on your coat."
"How you’ve humbugged me! It’s too hot."
"Oh, you’ve got to do it; you promised. You can’t stay here unless you do."
"So you are going to take care of me as if I were a small boy?"
"You need care–sometimes."
He soon came back and asked, "Now may I stay?"
"Yes. Please untie the dog. Butter’s come."
"I should think it would, or anything else at your coaxing."
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