'Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes
page 61 of 457 (13%)
page 61 of 457 (13%)
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for I've got heaps, and they'll fit you I most know. Here's my
mark--" pointing to a cut upon the door-post. "Here's mine, and Carrie's and brother's. Stand up and see if you don't measure like I do," 'Lena complied, and to Anna's great joy they were just of a height. "I'm so glad," said she. "Now, come to my room and Corinda will fix you up mighty nice before mother sees you." Hand-in-hand the two girls started for the house, but had not gone far when they heard some one calling, "Ho, Miss 'Lena, whar is you? Ole miss done want you." At the same time Corinda made her appearance round the corner of the piazza. "Here, Cora," said Anna. "Come with me to my room; I want you." With a broad grin Corinda followed her young mistress, while 'Lena, never having been accustomed to any negro save the one with whom many New England children are threatened when they cry, clung closer to Anna's side, occasionally casting a timid glance toward the dark-browed girl who followed them. In the upper hall they met with Carrie, who in passing 'Lena held back her dress, as if fearing contamination from a contact with her cousin's plainer garments. Painfully alive to the slightest insult, 'Lena reddened, while Anna said, "Never mind--that's just like Cad, but nobody cares for _her_." Thus reassured 'Lena followed on, until they reached Anna's room, which they were about to enter, when the shrill voice of Mrs. Nichols fell upon their ears, calling, "'Leny, 'Leny, where upon airth is |
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