Веснянки
Chapter V
Onceoutofhersight,Frecklesraneverystepofthewaytothecabin.Mrs.Duncangavehimasmallbucketofwater,coolfromthewell.Hecarrieditinthecrookofhisrightarm,andabasketfilledwithbreadandbutter,coldmeat,applepie,andpickles,inhislefthand.
“Picklesarekindo’cooling,”saidMrs.Duncan.
ThenFrecklesranagain.
TheAngelwasonherknees,reachingforthebucket,ashecameup.
“Bedrinkingslow,”hecautionedher.
“Oh!”shecried,withalongbreathofsatisfaction.“It’ssogood!Youaremorethankindtobringit!”
Frecklesstoodblinkinginthedazzlinggloryofhersmileuntilhescarcelycouldseetoliftthebasket.
“Mercy!”sheexclaimed.“IthinkIhadbetterbenamingyouthe’Angel.’MyGuardianAngel.”
“Yis,”saidFreckles.“Ilookthecharactereveryday—buttodaymostemphatic!”
“Angelsdon’tgobylooks,”laughedthegirl.“Yourfathertoldusyouhadbeenscrapping.Buthetolduswhy.I’dgladlywearallyourcutsandbruisesifIcoulddoanythingthatwouldmakemyfatherlookaspeacockyasyoursdid.Hestruttedaboutproper.Ineversawanyonelookprouder.”
“Didhesayhewasproudofme?”marveledFreckles.
“Hedidn’tneedto,”answeredtheAngel.“Hewasradiatingpridefromeverypore.Now,haveyoubroughtmeyourdinner?”
“Ihadmydinnertwohoursago,”answeredFreckles.
“HonestInjun?”banteredtheAngel.
“Honest!Ibroughtthatonpurposeforyou.”
“Well,ifyouknewhowhungryIam,youwouldknowhowthankfulIam,tothedot,”saidtheAngel.
