I've
been a brute, and I know it; but if you'll forgive me this time I'll
see that you never need to again."
He moved toward a chair as he spoke, half carrying her in his arms. In
her excitement she loosened her hold upon the roll of money, which was
still in her hand, and the bills were scattered on the floor behind him
as he walked. He sat down and took her in his lap, stroking her hair
and soothing her as well as he was able. By a strong effort she
controlled herself, dried her tears, and sat up, half laughing.
"I'm getting to be dreadful teary," she said. "I"--
"What in the world," he interrupted her in amazement, "is that on the
floor?"
She turned and saw the money, and burst into a peal of laughter.
Springing down from his knee, she ran and gathered up the bills in her
two hands; then, dancing up to him, half wild with delight, her cheeks
flushed, her eyes shining, she scattered the precious bits of green
paper fantastically over his head and shoulders.
"'Take, oh take, the rosy, rosy crown!'"
She sang, in the very abandonment of gayety.
"Are you gone crazy?" he demanded, clutching the floating bills, and
then catching her about the waist. "You act like a witch! Where did all
this money come from? The savings-bank?"
"No," she returned, becoming quiet, and nestling close to him. "The
Lord sent it by the hand of your brother Orin.
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