Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/132

128 "I thought a court house was a place where they tried criminals and kept deeds and things," broke in Rebecca. Nobody explained to her that in Virginia the county seat was always called the Court House.

Breakfast being over, the family arose and left the table without saying a word to the forlorn little girl.

"Gee! But they are dumb!" said Rebecca to herself. "I wonder if they are silent because they have nothing to say or just because they don't want to talk before me. I'll burst if I don't let out some of the talk that is in me. Not one member of the family addressed a remark to me except Aunt Myra, and all she said was 'Hush!' and 'Don't be sacrilegious.' I hope it'll be different when Grandfather is at home."

"Aunt Testy," she asked, as the fat cook waddled in to superintend Mandy in the clearing of the breakfast table, "where does Aunt Pearly Gates live? I thought I'd go see her this morning and make her acquaintance."

'You-all's right, honey chil', but fer the land's sake don't go clost ter that there ram down in the meadow. It ain't no trus'worthy animule."

Rebecca smiled. She had often heard of the superstition of the darkeys, but this was too