Читать книгу Goose Creek Folks. A Story of the Kentucky Mountains онлайн

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Gincy opened the hall door also in haste. She had thought of something she wished to say to Talitha—who was just going down the steps with her books—and nearly ran against a tall, pale-faced girl carrying a heavy handbag. “Oh!” Gincy ejaculated with a swift glance at the wan face. “Jest let me ketch a holt. I ’most tuk you down, I reckon.”

The weary eyes brightened. “You’re a new girl,” asserted the late arrival confidently as Gincy deposited the baggage in a corner of the hall.

“Yes,” she nodded, “I reckon I be, but I don’t seem ter sense hit much. Hit’s the nicest place I ever see fer findin’ friends,” and Gincy disappeared with a parting smile.

The newcomer sat down in thoughtful silence, forgetting that she had not made known her arrival to the dean. But that lady chanced to espy her from the top of the stairs and slowly descended, inwardly determined that her face should not reveal her embarrassment.

“Well, Urilla, you succeeded in getting here after all,” she said with a smile.

“Yes, ma’am,” answered the girl, rising respectfully. “Mother’s able to sit up most of the time, and she wouldn’t hear to my staying home now Sally’s big enough to help. If I can only manage to stay another year.” Urilla gave a long sigh.