Capt. G. Well, love, now you've seen and--Would you mind?--That is to say--
Minnie, I really am busy.
Mrs. G. You want me to go?
Capt. G, Yes, dear, for a little while. This tobacco will hang in your dress,
and saddlery doesn't interest you.
Mrs. G. Everything you do interests me, Pip.
Capt. G. Yes, I know, I know, dear. I'll tell you all about it some day when
I've put a head on this thing. In the meantime--
Mrs. G. I'm to be turned out of the room like a troublesome child?
Capt. G. No-o. I don't mean that exactly. But, you see, I shall be tramping up
and down, shifting these things to and fro, and I shall be in your way. Don't
you think so?
Mrs. G. Can't I lift them about? Let me try. (Reaches forward to trooper's
saddle.)
Capt. G. Good gracious, child, don't touch it. You'll hurt yourself. (Picking
up saddle.) Little girls aren't expected to handle numdahs. Now, where would
you like it put? (Holds saddle above his head.)
Mrs. G. (A break in her voice.) Nowhere. Pip, how good you are--and how strong!
Oh, what's that ugly red streak inside your arm?
Capt. G. (Lowering saddle quickly.) Nothing. It's a mark of sorts. (Aside.) And
Jack's coming to tiffin with his notions all cut and dried!
Mrs.
Pages:
1199
1200
1201
1202
1203
1204
1205
1206
1207
1208
1209
1210
1211
1212
1213
1214
1215
1216
1217
1218
1219
1220
1221
1222
1223