Page:Emma Speed Sampson--The shorn lamb.djvu/89

Rh said the Major, hurriedly. "And where have you been all these years?"

"Columbia University!"

"What have you been doing there?"

"Trying to get some education!"

"And did you?"

"I have just started. I have my M. A., but—"

"Now you have to stop?"

"I have to work on the farm. For every year of study I have promised my father a year of farm work."

Philip made the statement quite simply. Major Taylor gave a short dry laugh.

"It is comforting in a way to find out I am not the only old fool in the neighborhood," he said shortly. "But young man, would you mind if I complimented you a bit and told you that I am of the opinion you are what in breeding is known as a 'throw back'?"

Dr. Price arrived at this moment and soon pronounced Rebecca as overwrought and undernourished.

"She must rest a great deal, have plenty of fresh air and much wholesome food," was his verdict. "What have you been eating, child?"

"Crackers and tea, principally," Rebecca answered. "We had a lot of tea on hand and you