THE GAP AMONG THE mouNTaINS. 157

was going to get some boards to cover it up.
What is he going to cover his housé up with
boards for?”

Robert laughed aloud at this question.

“ You needn’t laugh,” said Lucy. ‘“ You said
that he was going to cover his house up.”

“No,” replied Robert. “I said cover his
house ; not cover it up.”

“ Well,” said Lucy, “I don’t think there’s
much difference. Besides, I’m pretty sure you

_ Said cover it up. Didn’t he, mother?”

Let us hear what Robert says he meant,”
replied her mother.

‘Why, I meant, cover his house,” replied
Robert ; “that is, nail boards on it, to keep out
the wind and rain.”

“Hasn’t he got any boards nailed on his
house ?” asked Lucy.

“Yes,” said Robert, “he’s got one room
covered in, and he lives in that. He’s trying to
finish the rest this fall.”

It was in vain that Lucy attempted to form a
distinct conception of the appearance which Mr.
Emery’s house would make, with one room
covered in, as Robert called it, and the rest wait-
ing for boards yet to be sawed. She said no
more, however, but rode on, feeling great curiosit
to see the house, and asking Robert to show it
to her, as soon as they should come in sight of it.

14