Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/155

Rh Things are sure different since he got back. I believe old Mam' Peachy is skairt of him. Betsy gave her some kind of dope about Philip's being a better conjerer than what she is, and she's got the old woman a guessing. Betsy told me to tell you she's making some gingerbread and if you come over she'll have it just about baked and we can mix up some lemonade. I've got your photograph done, too. It's the one I took the time the ol' ram got you going. Philip helped me develop it."

"Oh, goody! Of course I'll come. The aunts have gone calling, so I won't have to ask them. They'd say no if they were home, so, thank goodness, they are off."

They crossed the river on the coon bridge, Rebecca removing her shoes and stockings for the difficult feat of making a safe passage on the slippery sycamore tree.

"Grip the bark with your toe nails," warned Jo. "I let mine grow long a purpose."

"I'd love to go barefoot all the time," sighed Rebecca, "but the aunts were so shocked when I suggested it anyone would think I had already committed a great sin. They talked about birth and breeding until grandfather and I got bored stiff. He made them mad by saying he guessed they were born barefoot for that matter, and as