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

31 страница из 46

“I know it,” nodded Talitha, “but I never once thought there wouldn’t be room for everybody who wanted to come. Anyway, I’m glad Gincy’s going to have a chance. You ought to hear her sing, Mrs. Donnelly. And if you’ll sort o’ mother her a little I’ll be real thankful. Gincy’s never been away from home before, and her folks were going to feel so easy because I was with her. Don’t feel bad, it couldn’t be helped, I reckon, and maybe I’ll come back next year.”

Talitha’s heart was heavy indeed as she climbed the stairs to her room. She found Gincy in a corner weeping piteously over the few belongings gathered in a little heap. Talitha knelt beside her and put an arm tenderly around the thin, bowed shoulders.

“Put your things right back, Gincy,” she said, “you’re going to stay after all. I’ve just seen Mrs. Donnelly.”

Gincy looked up in astonishment that at first was too great for words. “You don’t mean hit?” she gasped at last, clutching her friend’s arm.

“Sure I do,” Talitha nodded with a smile. Her own burden lightened wonderfully at the sight of Gincy’s radiant face and suddenly dried tears. She left the girl putting her belongings back in drawers and closet with a joyful haste. Gincy had not even inquired how this transformation had been wrought; it was enough for her to know that she was not to be sent home.