away back in the States.  I told her how, in case of sickness, one neighbor would slip over and cook the family breakfast for the sick woman, others would drop in later, wash the dishes, and put the house in order; and so by turns and shares, the washing, ironing, and mending would be done, and by the time the sick woman would be up and around, she would have no neglected work to discourage her.  Also we talked of how flags were used for day signals and lights by night, in calls for help.

Our last talk was on Saturday morning between work.  She questioned me in regard to the amount, and location of the property of the Brunners, then wanted to hear all about my sisters in Sacramento, and wondered that we did not go to live with them.  I explained that Elitha had written us several times asking us to come, but, knowing that grandma would be displeased, we had not read her those parts of the letters, lest she forbid our correspondence entirely.  I added that we were very sorry that she could not like those who were dear to us.

Finally, having exhausted information on several subjects, Mrs. Stein gave me a searching glance, and after a marked silence, continued:  “I don’t wonder that you love grandpa and grandma as much as you tell me, and it is a pity about these other things that aren’t pleasant.  Don’t you think it would be better for you to live with your sister, and grandma could have some real German children to live here?  She is old, and can’t help liking her own kind of people best.”

I did not have an unkind thought in mind, yet I did confess that I should like to live well and grow up to be like my mother.  In thoughtless chatter I continued, that more nice people came to visit grandma and to talk with us before the town filled with strangers, and before Americans lived in the good old Spanish houses, and before the new churches and homes were built.

She led me to speak of mother, then wondered at my vivid recollections, since I had parted from her so young.  She was very attentive as I told how Georgia and I spoke of her when we were by ourselves, and that friends did not let us forget her.  I even cited a recent instance, when the teacher had invited us, and two other young girls, to go to the Vallejo pear orchard for all the fruit we wished to eat, and when he offered the money in payment, the old Spanish gentleman in charge said, “Pay for three.”

“But we are five,” said the teacher.

Then the Don blessed himself with the sign of the cross, and pointing to Georgia and me, replied, “Those two are daughters of a sainted mother, and are always welcome!”

At noon grandma told me that she and the Steins would be ready to go down town immediately after dinner, and that I must wash the dishes and finish baking the bread in the round oven.  We parted in best of humor, and I went to work.  The dishes and bread received first attention.  Then I scrubbed the brick floor in the milk-house; swept the store-room and front yard; gathered the eggs, fed the chickens, and rebuilt the fire for supper.  I fancied grandma would be pleased with all I had accomplished, and laughed to myself as I saw the three coming home leaning close to each other in earnest conversation.