Веснянки

           “Thenyoubeeating,”criedthehappyFreckles.

           TheAngelsatonabigcamera,spreadthelunchonthecarriageseat,anddivideditinhalves.Thedaintiestpartsshecouldselectshecarefullyputbackintothebasket.Theremaindersheate.AgainFrecklesfoundheroftheswamp,forthoughshewasalmostravenous,shemanagedherfoodasgracefullyashislittleyellowfellow,andhereverymovementwaseasyandcharming.Ashewatchedherwithfamishedeyes,Frecklestoldherofhisbirds,flowers,andbooks,andneverrealizedwhathewasdoing.

           Heledthehorsetoadeeppoolthatheknewof,andthetorturedcreaturedrankgreedily,andlovinglyrubbedhimwithitsnoseashewipeddownitsweltedbodywithgrass.SuddenlytheAngelcried:“TherecomestheBirdWoman!”

           Freckleshadintendedleavingbeforeshecame,butnowhewasgladindeedtobethere,forawarmer,moreworn,andworsebittencreatureheneverhadseen.Shewasstaggeringunderaloadofcamerasandparaphernalia.Frecklesrantoheraid.Hetookallhecouldcarryofherload,stoweditinthebackofthecarriage,andhelpedherin.TheAngelgaveherwater,kneltandunfastenedtheleggings,bathedherface,andofferedthelunch.

           Frecklesbroughtthehorse.Hewasnotsureabouttheharness,buttheAngelknew,andsoontheylefttheswamp.Thenheshowedthemhowtoreachthechickentreefromtheoutside,indicatedacoolerplaceforthehorse,andtoldthemhow,thenexttimetheycame,theAngelcouldfindhisroomwhileshewaited.

           TheBirdWomanfinishedherlunch,andlayback,almosttootiredtospeak.