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Show Page 122 upon my own land long ere Twig became man-grown. "And if I do leave before, perhaps I shall buy what remains of your indenture from the Davidsons," I told him. "You won't, you know," he said. "For it will not be long before you have a husband, and then you'll not want me." He kicked his toe into the dirt, his head downcast. "Whatever do you mean?" I asked. "I have seen how regular-like Lieutenant Kean comes round. Though it seems he has come to speak with the master and mistress, he is always casting dog eyes your way when you are not looking. I used to like him, but I do not like him any more." I blushed. "Even though he does come often, I will not be marrying Lieutenant Kean," I told Twig, giving him a pat upon his thin shoulder. "And anyway, he is not the only person who comes to visit. Even Governor Harwood comes -and John Clark." John had, in truth, been a frequent visitor the past few months. "Least John Clark does not peer down his nose at me, as does Lieutenant Kean," Twig muttered. To my surprise, the boy then commenced to giggle, doubling over and clutching his belly, my command to let me in on the whimsey going ignored. At last he looked up, his eyes a-gleam with the twinkle I had come to know meant mischief. "Have you noticed," he said, "that each time the lieutenant comes to visit, John Clark comes galloping behind?" |