Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/88

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was one of the mild, warm days that, even in the midst of winter, come to our New England coast towns. The snow had all melted, and the mud had dried away, while here  and there patches of grass showed a green  almost like that of summer. Over the leafless trees the sun shone warm and bright.

Bess Carter slowly came down the steps of her home with Fuzz before her, tugging at his  lead. Half-way to the gate she raised her eyes from a refractory glove button, and saw her  little cousin coming towards her. His hat was pulled down over his eyes, his hands plunged  deep into his pockets, and his very walk expressive of some deep determination. Absorbed in his meditation, he did not notice his cousin  until Fuzz gave a shrill bark of recognition. Then he looked up, saw her, and took off his hat, but scowled vindictively the while. Bess