I left them in the
wash-hand-stand drawer. Don't let the children get hold of them.
"P.P.S.--I shall take this letter with me to the farm. If I turn down one
corner you may know I have been accepted; if not, you may know it is all up
with your heartbroken brother,
G.N.R."
Gregory having finished this letter, read it over with much approval, put
it in an envelope, addressed it, and sat contemplating the inkpot, somewhat
relieved in mind.
The evening turned out chilly and very windy after the day's heat. From
afar off, as Gregory neared the homestead on the brown pony, he could
distinguish a little figure in a little red cloak at the door of the cow-
kraal. Em leaned over the poles that barred the gate, and watched the
frothing milk run through the black fingers of the herdsman, while the
unwilling cows stood with tethered heads by the milking poles. She had
thrown the red cloak over her own head, and held it under her chin with a
little hand, to keep from her ears the wind, that playfully shook it, and
tossed the little fringe of yellow hair into her eyes.
"Is it not too cold for you to be standing here?" said Gregory, coming
softly close to her.
"Oh, no; it is so nice. I always come to watch the milking. That red cow
with the short horns is bringing up the calf of the white cow that died.
Pages:
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225