Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/150



The task of adjusting herself to country life was an all-engrossing one to Rebecca. She realized the importance of trying, if not to please the aunts, at least to get along without angering them; but more important than anything else was to find out everything connected with the creatures on the farm. She soon knew all of the animals on the place, and, if one happened not to have a name, she immediately christened it. She made friends with the colored people, who adored her.

The little girl longed to follow Spottswood, as he went about his daily business, but his cold manner held her back. Her aunts were equally distant, albeit they made a ladylike show of politeness to the little waif. They spoke often of filial duty compelling them to respect the wishes of their father in regard to his "so-called grandchild." Evelyn remembered her in her prayers night and morning and Myra undertook to teach her to crochet, each lady thereby feeling that