"Your saying all your work had been for nothing, made me think of
it," she answered. "Let them give another man the prize, when
they know your corn is the best. It's their way of keeping a
larger number of people interested and avoiding the appearance of
partiality; this contest was too close; next year, you grow such
corn, that the CORN will force the decision in spite of the
judges. Do you see?"
"I see," said Adam. "I'll try again."
After that life went on as usual. The annual Christmas party was
the loveliest of all, because Kate gave it loving thought, and
because all of their hearts were especially touched. As spring
came on again, Kate and Adam studied over their work, planning
many changes for the better, but each time they talked, when
everything else was arranged, they came back to corn. More than
once, each of them dreamed corn that winter while asleep, they
frankly talked of it many times a day. Location, soil,
fertilizers, seed, cultivation -- they even studied the almanacs
for a general forecast of the weather. These things brought them
very close together. Also it was admitted between them, that
Little Poll "grappled them with hooks of steel." They never
lacked subjects for conversation. Poll always came first, corn
next, and during the winter there began to be discussion of plans
for Adam and Milly. Should Milly come with them, or should they
build a small house on the end of the farm nearest her mother?
Adam did not care, so he married Milly speedily. Kate could not
make up her mind. Milly had the inclination of a bird for a
personal and private nest of her own. So spring came to them.
August brought the anniversary of Nancy Ellen's death, which again
saddened all of them. Then came cooler September weather, and the
usual rush of preparation for winter. Kate was everywhere and
enjoying her work immensely. On sturdy, tumbly legs Little Poll
trotted after her or rode in state on her shoulder, when distances
were too far. If Kate took her to the fields, as she did every
day, she carried along the half of an old pink and white quilt,
which she spread in a shaded place and filled the baby's lap with
acorns, wild flowers, small brightly coloured stones, shells, and
whatever she could pick up for playthings. Poll amused herself
with these until the heat and air made her sleepy, then she laid
herself down and slept for an hour or two. Once she had trouble
with stomach teeth that brought Dr. Gray racing, and left Kate
white and limp with fear. Everything else had gone finely and
among helping Adam, working in her home, caring for the baby,
doing whatever she could see that she thought would be of benefit
to the community, and what was assigned her by church committees,
Kate had a busy life. She had earned, in a degree, the leadership
she exercised in her first days in Walden. Everyone liked her;
but no one ever ventured to ask her for an opinion unless they
truly wanted it.