It had not taken much to figure out why some of the boys at the school had given her a problem, but she knew how to handle herself should it become physical.  It had only been verbal though and a loss lunch.  She had gone hungry before, and the breakfast had been plenty to last till dinner later.  She was tough and it took more to get her down.  It did prove to her though that Jimmy was not to be depended on.  She had, like always, made sure to note landmarks on the way to school, so it had not been hard to find her way back.  Just a bit harder.  She didn't think having his company on the walk would have made it as pleasant anyway.

In the yard, she looked at the young woman with the hat.  "I'm Nat.  I'm Mr. Appleton's new help for the farm, ma'am."  She moved up closer wondering if this was the wife.