"I kind of like them," said Greensleeve with a sigh.

"They'll eat their heads off," retorted Ledlie; "then they'll git

married an' go off some'rs. There ain't nothin' to gals nohow. You

oughtn't to have went an' done it."

There seemed to be no further defence for Greensleeve. Ledlie

continued to chew a sprig of something green and tender, revolving it

and rolling it from one side of his small, thin-lipped mouth to the

other. His thin little partner brooded in the sunshine. Once he

glanced up at the sign which swung in front of the road-house: "Hotel

Greensleeve: Greensleeve and Ledlie, proprietors."

"Needs painting, Archie," he volunteered mildly.

"I dunno," said the other. "Since the gunnin' season closed there

ain't been no business except them sports from New York. The bar done

good; that's all."

"There were two commercial men Wednesday week."

"Yes, an' they found fault with their vittles. They can go to the

other place next time," which was as near as Ledlie ever came to

profanity.

After a silence Ledlie said: "Here come your kids, Pete. I guess I'll

let 'em dig a little bait for me."

Down the road they came dancing, and across the causeway over Spring

Pond--Jack, aged four, Doris, three, and Catharine, two; and they

broke into a run when they caught sight of their father, travelling as

fast as their fat little legs could carry them.

"Is there a new baby? Is there a new baby?" shouted Jack, while still

at a distance.

"Is it a boy? I want another brother! Is it a boy?" shrilled Doris as

she and baby Catharine came panting up with flushed and excited faces.

"It's a girl," said Greensleeve mildly. "You'd better go into the

kitchen and wash your faces."

"A girl!" cried Jack contemptuously. "What did mamma do that for?"

"Oh, goodness!" pouted Doris, "I didn't want any more girls around.

What are you going to name her, papa?"

"Athalie, I believe," he said absently.

"Athalie! What kind of name is that?" demanded Jack.

"I dunno. Your mamma wanted it in case the baby was a girl."

The children, breathing hard and rapidly, stood in a silent cluster

looking up at their father. Ledlie yawned frightfully, and they all

instantly turned their eyes on him to discover if possible the

solitary tooth with which rumour credited him. They always gazed

intently into his mouth when he yawned, which irritated him.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024