"Don't you go for to say that, Jabez," interposed the old woman,
briskly. "That child's the greatest help that ever was; but she can do
all that's necessary before and arter school, and on Saturdays. She's
a good smart child, Jabez. Let her have a chance to l'arn."

"Ain't no good ever come of books," muttered the miller.

"Oh, Uncle! Just let me show you," begged the girl, in her earnestness
clinging to his arm with both hands.

He looked down for a moment at her hands as though he would fling off
her hold. But he thought better of it, and waited fully a minute
before he spoke.

"You know your Aunt Alviry needs ye," he said. "If you kin fix it with
her, why I don't see as I need object."

"Will it be too much trouble for you to get my trunk, Uncle, so that I
can begin going to school next week?" Ruth asked.

"Ain't you got nothin' to wear to school?" he said. "It's dress; is
it? Beginning that trouble airly; ain't ye?"

He seemed to be quite cross again, and the girl looked at him in
surprise.

"Dear Uncle! You will get the trunk from the station, won't you?"

"No I won't," he said. "Because why? Because I can't."