She helped Aunt Kate with the housework
early every morning so that they might both hurry into the woods
to pick berries.
Pine Camp was in the midst of a vast huckleberry country, and at
the Forks a cannery had been established. Beside, the Forks was
a big shipping centre for the fresh berries.
Uncle Henry bought crates and berry "cups," and sometimes the
whole family picked all day long in the berry pasture, taking
with them a cold luncheon, and eating it picnic fashion.
It was great fun, Nan thought, despite the fact that she often
came home so wearied that her only desire was to drop into bed.
But the best part of it, the saving grace of all this toil, was
the fact that she was earning money for herself! Account was
faithfully kept of every cup of berries she picked, and, when
Uncle Henry received his check from the produce merchant to whom
he shipped the berries, Nan was paid her share.
These welcome earnings she saved for a particular purpose, and
for no selfish one, you may be sure. Little Margaret Llewellen
still ran from her and Nan wished to win the child back; so she
schemed to do this.
After all, there was something rather pitiful in the nature of
the child who so disliked any face that was "wizzled," but loved
those faces that were fair and smooth.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232