So I repeated my
ridiculous lines over and over again, until the eloquent feeling
of which they were the graceless expression inspired me to
accompany my recital with gestures. Six--eight--ten--a dozen--
twenty times I repeated these lines, each time with additional
emotion and gestures, when a thin voice, very near me, remarked:--
"Ocken Hawwy, you does djust as if you was swimmin'."
Turning, I beheld my nephew Toddie--how long he had been behind
me I had no idea. He looked earnestly into my eyes and then
remarked:--
"Ocken Hawwy, your faysh is wed, djust like a wosy-posy."
"Let's go right in to breakfast, Toddie," said I aloud, as I
grumbled to myself about the faculty of observation which Tom's
children seemed to have.
Immediately after breakfast I despatched Mike with a note to
Alice, informing her that I would be glad to drive her to the
Falls in the afternoon calling for her at two. Then I placed
myself unreservedly at the disposal of the boys for the morning,
it being distinctly understood that they must not expect to see me
between lunch and dinner. I was first instructed to harness the
goat, which order I obeyed, and I afterward watched that grave
animal as he drew my nephews up and down the carriage-road, his
countenance as demure as if he had no idea of suddenly departing
when my back should be turned.
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