Mr. Howitt admitted that he had heard something of that nature;
and Sammy nodded, "I 'lowed you'd know. But you don't know how
mighty proud and particular Ollie always is. I figure that bein'
in the city with all them one folks ain't goin' to make him any
less that way than he was. And if he stays there and keeps on a
changin', and I stay here, and don't change none, why it might be
that I--I--" She faltered and came to a dead stop, twisting her
bonnet strings nervously in her confusion. "Ollie he ain't like
Young Matt, nohow," she said again. "Such as that wouldn't make no
difference with him. But Ollie--well you see--"

There was a twinkle, now, in the shepherd's eye, as he answered;
"Yes, I see; I am quite sure that I see."

The girl continued; "You know all about these things, Dad. And
there ain't nobody else here that does. Will you learn me to be a
sure 'nough lady, so as Ollie won't--so he won't--" Again she
paused in confusion. It was evident, from the look on Mr. Howitt's
face, that, whatever he saw, it was not this.

"I feel somehow like I could do it, if I had a chance," she
murmured.

There was no answer. After a time, Sammy stole a look at her quiet
companion. What could the man in the chair be thinking about? His
pipe was neglected; his gray head bowed.

"Course," said the young woman, with just a little lifting of her
chin; "Course, if I couldn't never learn, there ain't no use to
try."