He owned the adjoining farm , was well off and homely -- so homely that Judith declared it made her eyes ache to look at him . Bruce Marshall , Judith 's `` right one '' was handsome , but Mrs. Theodora looked upon him with sour disapproval . He owned a stony little farm at the remote end of Ramble Valley and was reputed to be fonder of many things than of work . To be sure , Judith had enough capability and energy for two ; but Mrs. Theodora detested a lazy man . She ordered Judith not to encourage him and Judith obeyed . Judith generally obeyed her aunt ; but , though she renounced Bruce Marshall , she would have nothing to do with Eben King or anybody else and all Mrs. Theodora 's grumblings did not mend matters . The afternoon that Mrs. Tony Mack came in Mrs. Theodora felt more aggrieved than ever . Ellie McGregor had been married the previous week -- Ellie , who was the same age as Judith and not half so good looking . Mrs. Theodora had been nagging Judith ever since . `` But I might as well talk to the trees down there in that hollow , '' she complained to Mrs. Tony . `` That girl is so set and contrary minded . She does n't care a bit for my feelings . '' This was not said behind Judith 's back . The girl herself was standing at the open door , drinking in all the delicate , evasive beauty of the spring afternoon . The Whitney house crested a bare hill that looked down on misty intervals , feathered with young firs that were golden green in the pale sunlight . The fields were bare and smoking , although the lanes and shadowy places were full of moist snow . Judith 's face was aglow with the delight of mere life and she bent out to front the brisk , dancing wind that blew up from the valley , resinous with the odors of firs and damp mosses . At her aunt 's words the glow went out of her face . She listened with her eyes brooding on the hollow and a glowing flame of temper smouldering in them . Judith 's long patience was giving way .
She had been flicked on the raw too often XXXXX late .
At although as in of that though to upon with