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

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Talitha looked at the sky. The breakfast bell would be ringing by this time, and happy, laughing faces gathered around the long tables. Her head bowed as though she could hear the fervent grace, and a sob rose in her throat. Suddenly the petition of a young leader at prayers, the night before, came to her: “Wilt Thou give us strength and courage to meet bravely the trials and temptations of each day.” How full of meaning they were to the one who uttered them Talitha well knew. Owen Calfee’s face showed with what high courage he was meeting the hardships which had beset his path from early youth.

Talitha fiercely blinked back the tears. “I’m plumb spoilin’ everythin’ by my foolishness,” she thought aloud, unconsciously relapsing into the speech of the mountains. “I reckon hit ain’t pleasin’ ter the Lord—my thinkin’ sech sorry thoughts. I’ve clean forgotten that I’d ought ter be thankful that Martin could stay and that Gincy’s havin’ a chance. My, but if she isn’t the happiest child!” Talitha rose reluctantly. “I shouldn’t like to be caught in the dark, and that’s what I’m bound to be if I stop here any longer.” She stretched out her hands toward the valley with a wistful gesture of parting. “I’m so glad you’re there, Gincy,” she whispered. “I wouldn’t have you home for nothing.”