sech a shine to ye. I kind o' think I'll miss ye more'n Easter."

Raines's eyes turned to the girl, as did Clay-ton's. Not a suggestion
of color disturbed the pallor of the girl's face, once more
composed, and she said nothing.

You're so jolly 'n' lively," continued the mother, 'n' ye allus hev so
much to say. You air not like Easter 'n' Sherd hyar, who talk 'bout
as much as two stumps. I suppose I'll hev to sit up 'n' talk to the
moon when you air gone."

The mountaineer rose abruptly, and, though he spoke quietly, he
could hardly control himself.

"Ez my company seems to be unwelcome to ye," he said, "I kin
take it away from ye, 'n' I will."

Before the old woman could recover herself, he was gone.

Well," she ejaculated, " whut kin be the matter with She rd? He
hev got mighty cur'us hyar of late, 'n' so hev Easter. All o' ye been
a-settin' up hyar ez ef you was at a buryin'. I'm a-goin' to bed. You
'n' Easter kin set up long as ye please. I suppose you air comm'
back ag'in to see us," she said, turning to Clayton.

"I don't know," he answered. "I may not; but I sha'n't forget you."

"Well, I wish ye good luck." Clayton shook hands with her, and
she went within doors.