Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/81

Rh jes' that minute done tuck a pone er bisit bread out er the oben. It air the kinder bread Marse Tom useter call dog bread, an' he fairly doted on it. It air jes lak the bisit cep'n it ain't cut out—an' sometimes when the folks is all through the dogs gits it."

Rebecca opened her eyes again and her delicate nostrils quivered perceptibly. Philip Bolling whispered something to Major Taylor and the two men tip-toed into the hall, leaving the door open.

"See her pretty nose a wuckin'! That air the odium er the bacin. I allus 'lows the smell er briled bacin will raise the daid. Open yo' mouf, honey chile, an' let Testy put a sup er nice milk in it."

Rebecca raised herself on her elbow a moment and looked eagerly in the good-natured, fat face of Aunt Testy.

"Are you Aunt Old Testament or Aunt New Testament?" she asked eagerly.

"I'm New Testymunt. My maw befo' me wa' Ol' Testymunt," answered Aunt Testy, amazement depicted on her moonlike countenance. "What you know 'bout Ol' Testy an' New Testy, honey chil'?"

While she talked the old woman slipped a sup of milk in the child's mouth.