Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/119

Rh am sleeping and eating all the time. I love this room too. To think of my father having slept in this self -same spot! What kind of a tree is that outside my window, Aunt Testy?"

"That there am a holly tree."

"You mean Christmas holly—the kind with red berries that costs fifty cents for just a little branch to make things kind of cheerful for Christmas? Oh, I'm so happy!"

Aunt Testy smiled a comfortable, fat smile, but at the same time wiped a little tear away with the corner of her apron.

"Now res' yo'se'f some mo', honey baby," she said, as she removed the tray.

Again the heavy lids drooped and Rebecca slept soundly. The next time Aunt Testy came in with more food she still slept and the old woman crept out.

"Sleep an' fergittin' is better'n eatin' an' rememberin'," she sagely remarked.

When Major Taylor at last returned from the hub factory he quickly mounted to his granddaughter's room. It was a chamber he had not entered for many years not since his boy had occupied it. It reminded him too poignantly of Tom. Even now he must steel himself to be able to cross the threshold. He tapped lightly on the door. There was no