Little Homespun

going on here?”

mere fo’ you dis mornin’, an’ den I was so took up with dat fascinatin’ song of yo’s as we drove back, dat I didn’t want to interrupt

et, very much interested; “and

e lookin’ so pert like dis mornin’,” and Joe brought old Jennie

nk I ought to

ien’ly,” and suiting the action to the word he took Brev

air and sunshine. The vines which had half hidden it from view had already been cut away, and on every hand were signs that the place was being brought into liveable shape with all possible expedition. No one was in sight, so Brevet noiseles

ntly put at his ease by the

dear?” she asked, w

“We just stopped to ask who was coming. We go by here very often, Joe and I,” pointing to the

e, for the little house was not set so far back from the road but

sked, stepping at once to the gate, w

tion, an’ I often wonder dat she never done come to live on it. I can ‘member when he

ard then of Miss

had indeed been an old friend; “you don’ tell me! I’se often heard what a re

city children with her who had never spent a day in the real country in their lives.” 026"You don’t say so!” said Joe, shaking his head sadly. “It’s strange what time

o was just the same as a daughter to her, and she has

tle children?” ask

her face brightening. “I have come down to make every

think I coul

e them so soon as ever they come. But you must tel

kind of an officer in the army, and when I grow up I’m going to West Point and learn how to be a real officer, and not just kind of a one at all. But ti

the children are named Bennett—Mary and

’t had a boy to play with ever hardly, but I s’pose they’re older b

lan is just about your age I should say. Never you fear, B

nitely arranged. “Do you think they would like to have me h

der but they would like

ill come

your grannana, Brevet,”

” This last very quickly and eagerly, reme

t, “dey’ll all come up and spen’ de day with me at Arlington. Brevet here alway des loves to come. You know Arlington’s where all de soldiers am buried. I used to be a slave on de place ‘fo’ de wah, an’ dere ain

very much interested, “and I wish you would stop and s

t, your grannana will be watchin’ fur us a

then Joe and Brevet courteously touched their caps

revet, the moment they were out of

we must make inquiries. Dere mus’ be some ‘sp