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Show Nettie, Page 48 in Cowley, child," Papa explained. "There's a lot of farming we can do to help our situation." Within a day or two of that announcement, in the midst of a summer shower, a letter arrived addressed to Mama. "It's from Olive," Mama declared happily. And though the rain ran down the stovepipe in black rivulets, and pans and buckets were set on the beds to catch the leaks from the roof, it all failed to dampen Mama's enthusiasm as she read the letter and announced its contents. "Olive's moving to Cowley! William has been called to serve a mission to his homeland, England, and they have decided she should come to Cowley to be near her family while he is gone." A small celebration followed. Mama made a fresh batch of homemade bread and her family spread it thick with fresh butter and bullberry jelly. They also dined on fried rabbit and potatoes and gravy, all to rejoice in the welcome news-Papa and Brig would now be home daily, and the second oldest daughter, even though a married woman of 28, would once more be near. Yet a third bit of news stirred the family, especially Nettie, though she couldn't really decide whether it was good news or bad news. Alice made this pronouncement. Bursting through the cabin door one day she hollered, "Guess what! School is starting next month!" |