Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/134



Rebecca had not unpacked her modest wardrobe, so she donned her mourning bonnet, the only headgear available, and since she was to pay a ceremonial visit to Aunt Pearly Gates it seemed quite appropriate that she should wear this bonnet. A weird little figure she made, as she trudged happily down the lane. She had seen the ladies of the family drive off in the phaeton to the mysterious court house. Spottswood had disappeared in the direction of the barn. She had watched him light his pipe on the front porch, and then, with a whistle to Doctor, his dog, he had walked off with long swinging steps. He had looked so kindly on his dog that the child thought how splendid it would be if she had been born a nice black and white doggy with glossy fur that wasn't long enough to get tangled and great patient eyes and no desire to talk and a heart that was satisfied with an occasional pat from his master, with a kind word thrown in now and then.

"I don't care, my Grandfather will talk to