Awoman like that can ruin a young boy like
you. What, said Miss Brown, with a cunning smile, what if yourmother should see
us? Shelaughed tenderly to herself, with absent misty gaze. Oh, only a little
six-inch strip, he said carelessly. This sickness of your papas has cost a
lotof money.
She was still loyal to thedoctrine of the good
Major.
Gathering around you till you cant
breathe.
Youve got totrade quick to keep the ball
a-rolling.
Elizas eyes filled with tears of real
pain.
He washeld in the lure of her subtle
weariness: she gave him comfort andhe never touched her.
If one spoke to every one,one was democratic;
if one did not, one was a snob, and got fewvotes.
His mind was very clear, not doting, but sad
and old.
Well, said Eliza gravely, plucking at her
chin, I want you to bea good boy and study hard, son. I doubted if he would
last the winter through. Hewas closer to a feeling of brotherhood than he had
ever been, andmore alone.
Well, well, if it isntOld Baldy, he cried,
pumping Bens hand. Little electric currents of excitement played up his
spine.
The terrible draught smote him with the speed
and power of a mansfist.
I beg of you, leave me to die in peace:it wont
be long now.
The kitchen-light went out; he heard his
mothers door clickgently.
Then hesitantly, by awkward talkative stages,
she went intothe house again.
Once, with Jim Trivett, he had fancied
himselftipsy.