"I sure am a sight, ain't I, ma'm? I done hit a-comin' through the bresh
in the dark. But, don't--don't--look so kinder lost like; you-all ain't
got no call ter be scared of me."

"Why, Judy, dear, I'm not afraid of you. Come, child; tell me what is
the trouble."

At the kindly manner and voice of the old gentlewoman, those black eyes
filled with tears, which, for the moment, the mountain girl stoically
permitted to roll down her thin sallow cheeks unheeded. Then, with
a quick resolute jerk of her twisted body, she drew her dress sleeve
across her face, and said: "I--I--reckon I couldn't hate myself no
worse'n I'm a-doin'. Hit seems like I been mighty nigh plumb crazy; but,
I just naturally had ter come back an' tell you-all, 'cause you-all been
so good ter me."

She placed a chair for Auntie Sue, and added: "You-all best make
yourself comfertable, though, ma'm. I'm mighty nigh tuckered out myself.
Hit's a right smart way from where pap's a-livin' ter here, an' I done
come in a hurry."

She dropped down on the floor, her back against the bed, and clasped her
knees in her hands, as Auntie Sue seated herself.

"Begin at the beginning, Judy, and tell me exactly what has happened,"
said Auntie Sue.

"Yes, ma'm, I will,--that's what I was aimin' ter do when I made up ter
come back."