A Busy Year at the Old Squire's

The old sitting-room seemed wholly deserted that Friday night after he went away. We are like sheep without a shepherd, Theodora said. Catherine and Tom came over. We opened our Latin books and tried to study awhile; but 'twas dreary without old Joel. Other things, however, other duties and other work at the farm immediately occupied our attention. It was now mid-January and there was ice to be cut on the lake for our new creamery.