Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/295

Rh said—but I believe she said more than that, because that night before supper I found Uncle Spot sitting in the library and he looked so happy I just know she said something besides just liking.

"I used to think Uncle Spot was sullen looking, but I can't see how I ever did. He has a solemn face, but it isn't sullen any more. Even now when he and Grandfather have had such terrible words between them he hasn't taken back his old look, but has a kind of sweet, sad expression. I just know he is remembering the kiss I think Betsy must have given him.

"Well, Grandfather said terrible things about the Bollings, all but Philip, and he spared him just because he brought me to Mill House. He said he'd never give his consent to the marriage and if Spot chose to disgrace his family by even contemplating such a thing he could leave home. I guess my father must have had just such a talk with Grandfather, only he wanted to wed his art.

"Poor Uncle Spot did not have to choose between his home and his sweetheart, 'cause before we went to bed that night, after Uncle Spot told about his kind of engagement, a colored man named Young Abe came riding over on a mule with a note from Betsy and I reckon she