Candace washed, Miss Amelia wiped the dishes, May swept, and all of them made the beds, and then they went to Deams', while I stayed with mother.

When she thought it was time, she bundled me up warmly, and I went to the barn.

Father had the east doors standing open for me, so I could sit in the sun, hang my feet against the warm boards, and see every inch of our meadow where the meet was to be.

I was really too warm there, and had to take off the scarf, untie my hood, and unbutton my coat.
It was a trifle muddy, but the frost had not left the ground yet, the sparrows were singing fit to burst, so were the hens.

I didn't care much for the music of the hen, but I could see she meant well.