But
Anne did not know that Polly really had a latent talent in this line
nor how ambitious she was to express art and beauty in the home.
"That is what I'd like to try here. Have our meals out under those
trees. It won't make much extra work as the spot is very convenient to
the kitchen door, but we will avoid the heat and steam from the stove
and cooking, and have much more room, too."
"I don't suppose it makes much difference where we eat as long as we
get it over with as soon as possible," returned Polly.
"That's just the trouble with most people. They merely eat because they
feel they have to, but they never stop to make of the habit an
opportunity to improve themselves and enjoy a social meeting with each
other. We may as well be Zulus and eat with our fingers. Maybe the
Zulus would prove more ideal for their home teachings than we really
are."
Polly laughed again at Anne's words, but the latter added:
"It's true, Polly. How many people trouble themselves to eat politely,
and act or talk from the highest motives? The Zulus follow traditional
customs. If we did we would follow the refined court manners of our
English and Dutch ancestors. Instead, we are in such haste to eat and
get back to the business of making money, that we lose all the pleasure
along the way there."
Polly listened anxiously and understood that Anne was gently
criticizing what she saw and heard in the kitchen the night before.
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