a long string and she began to cry to come too, and I jumped over to go
quiet her. Kent he'd gone to get another boat. And Margery she jumped
up and began to yell and wave her arms and fell overboard. Then I
remembered she couldn't swim and I went back and got her and Kent came
and pulled us in shore. It wasn't anything, but Margery's such a
cry-baby. Lizzie, she's terrible uncomfortable."

Lydia's attention had returned to little Patience. "I'll take her up
to bed," she said, "it won't take but a few minutes."

"I'll carry her," said Lizzie.

The baby opened her eyes. "No, no one cally but Lyd."

"Let Daddy carry you," begged Amos.

Patience's little voice rose to a wail. "No one cally but Lyd."

"You don't have to be so polite," sniffed Lydia, "I carry her all the
time."

She lifted the sleepy baby easily and Patience dropped her soft cheek
against Lydia's and closed her eyes again. Lydia turned to Marshall.
Her face was very serious.

"I know I was awful bad, Mr. Marshall, and maybe you feel as if you
ought to lick me."

"Put your little sister to bed," said Marshall gravely, "and then we'll
see."