Веснянки
Chapter VIII
Duncan,“butlikelythey’vegoneintotheswampthishotweather.I’lljuiststayonthetrailandwatch,andyemighthurrytheleastbit.Theday’ssobrightitfeelslikestorm.IcanputthebairnsonthewoodpiletoplayuntilIgetback.Yegangawaandtaketheblessedlittleangelherbeautifulhat.”
“Areyousureitwillbeallright?”urgedFreckles.“DoyouthinkifMr.McLeancamehewouldcare?”
“Na,”saidMrs.Duncan;“Idinna.Ifyeandmeagreethatathingoughttobedone,andIwatchinyourplace,why,it’sboundtobeallrightwithMcLean.Letmepinthehatinapaper,andyejumponyourwheelandgangflying.OughtyeputonyourSabbath-dayclothes?”
Frecklesshookhishead.Heknewwhatheshoulddo,buttherewasnouseintakingtimetotrytoexplainittoMrs.Duncanwhilehewassohurried.Heexchangedhiswading-bootsforshoes,gaveherhisclub,andwentspinningtowardtown.HeknewverywellwheretheAngellived.Hehadseenherhomemanytimes,andhepasseditagainwithoutevenraisinghiseyesfromthestreet,steeringstraightforherfather’splaceofbusiness.
Carryingthehat,Frecklespassedalonglineofclerks,andatthedooroftheprivateofficeaskedtoseetheproprietor.Whenhehadwaitedamoment,atall,spare,keen-eyedmanfacedhim,andinbrisk,nervoustonesasked:“HowcanIserveyou,sir?”
Freckleshandedhimthepackageandanswered,“Bydeliveringtoyourdaughterthishat,whichshewasafterleavingatmeplacetheotherday,whenshewentawayinahurry.
