Веснянки

           SarahDuncanstoodaloneinthemiddleofhertwo-roomedlogcabinandliftedabony,clawlikepairofhands,reddenedbyfrequentimmersioninhotwater,crackedandchafedbyexposuretocold,black-linedbyconstantbattlewithswamp-loam,callousedwithburns,andstaredatthemwonderingly.

           “Pretty-lookin’thingsyeare!”shewhispered.“Butyehaejuistbeenkissed.Andbysuchaman!FineasGodevermadeatHisverrabest.Duncanwouldnatradewi’aking!Na!NorIwadnatradewithaqueenwi’apalace,an’velvetgowns,an’diamondsbigashazelnuts,an’ahundredvisitorsadayintothebargain.Ye’vebeenthathonoredI’mblestifIcanbeartosouseyeindish-water.Still,thatkisswinnacomeoff!Naethingcantakeitfromme,forit’sminetillIdee.Lord,ifIamnaproud!Kissesontheseoldclaws!Weel,Ibedrawedon!”