Page:Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903).djvu/55

Rh though children might be seen, if absolutely necessary, they certainly should never be heard if she could help it. "We 're not much used to noise, Jane and me," she remarked acidly.

Mr. Cobb saw that he had taken the wrong tack, but he was too unused to argument to explain himself readily, so he drove away, trying to think by what safer word than "lively" he might have described his interesting little passenger.

"I 'll take you up and show you your room, Rebecca," Miss Miranda said. "Shut the mosquito nettin' door tight behind you, so 's to keep the flies out; it ain't flytime yet, but I want you to start right; take your passel along with ye and then you won't have to come down for it; always make your head save your heels. Rub your feet on that braided rug; hang your hat and cape in the entry there as you go past."

"It 's my best hat," said Rebecca.

"Take it upstairs then and put it in the clothes-press; but I should n't 'a' thought you 'd 'a' worn your best hat on the stage."

"It 's my only hat," explained Rebecca. "My every-day hat was n't good enough to bring. Fanny 's going to finish it."

"Lay your parasol in the entry closet."

"Do you mind if I keep it in my room, please? It always seems safer."

"There ain't any thieves hereabouts, and if there