“I have a theory,” said I, “that when we live on the farm we ought to credit the farm with what it costs us for food and shelter here,—­providing, of course, that the farm feeds and shelters us as well.”

“It will do it a great deal better.  We will have a better house, better food, more company, more leisure, more life, and more everything that counts, than we ever had before.”

“We’ll fix the value of those things when we’ve had experience,” said I.  “Now let’s get at the figures.  I tell you plainly that I don’t know what they foot up,—­less than $40,000, I hope.”

“Don’t let’s worry about them, no matter what they say.”

This from prudent, provident Polly!

“Certainly not,” said I, as bold as a lion.

“There are thirty-five items on the debit side of the ledger and a few little ones on the credit side.  Hold your breath while I add them.

“I have spent $44,331 and have received $953, which leaves a debit balance of $43,378.”

“That isn’t so awfully bad, when you think of all the fun you’ve had.”

“Fun comes high at this time of the year, doesn’t it, Polly?”

“Much depends on what you call high.  You have waited and worked a long time for this.  I won’t say a word if you spend all you have in the world.  It’s yours.”

“Mine and yours and the children’s; but I won’t spend it all.  Seventy or seventy-five thousand dollars, besides your house and barn money, shall be my limit.  There is still an item of interest to be added to this account.

“Interest!  Why, John Williams, do you mean to tell me that you borrowed this money?  I thought it was your own to do as you liked with.  Have you got to pay interest on it?”

“It was mine, but I loaned it to the farm.  Before I made this loan I was getting five per cent on the money.  I must now look to the farm for my five per cent.  If it cannot pay this interest promptly, I shall add the deferred payment to the principal, and it shall bear interest.  This must be done each year until the net income from the farm is greater than the interest account.  Whatever is over will then be used to reduce the principal.”

“That’s a long speech, but I don’t think it’s very clear.  I don’t see why a man should pay interest on his own money.  The farm is yours, isn’t it?  You bought it with your own money, didn’t you?  What difference does it make whether you charge interest or not?”

“Not the least difference in the world to us, Polly, but a great deal to the experiment.”

“Oh, yes, I forgot the experiment.  And how much interest do you add?”

“Five hundred and forty-two dollars.  Also, $75 to the lawyer and $5 for recording the deed, making the whole debt of the farm to me $44,000 even.”

“Does it come out just even $44,000?  I believe you’ve manipulated the figures.”

“Not on your life!  Add them yourself.  They were put down at all sorts of times during the past five months.  My dear, I wish you a good-night and a happy New Year.  You have given me a very happy ending for the old one.”