"
Carl lingered for a moment on the steps. Perhaps Tom had some
further orders; perhaps, too, Jennie would come out again.
Involuntarily his eye wandered toward the open door, and then he
turned to go. Jennie's heart sprang up in her throat. She had
seen from behind the curtains the shade of disappointment that
crossed her lover's face. She could suffer herself, but she could
not see Carl unhappy. In an instant she was beside her mother.
Anything to keep Carl--she did not care what.
"Oh, Carl, will you bring the ladder so I can reach the long
branches?" she said, her quick wit helping her with a subterfuge.
Carl turned and glanced at Tom. He felt the look in her face and
could read her thoughts.
If Tom had heard Jennie she never moved. This affair must end in
some way, she said to herself. Why had she not sent him away long
before? How could she do it now when he had risked his life to
save Patsy?
Then she answered firmly, still without turning her head, "No,
Jennie; there won't be time. Carl must get ready to"--
Pop laid his hand on hers.
"There's plinty o' toime, Mary. Ye'll git the ladder behint the
kitchen door, Carl. I hed it ther' mesilf this mornin'."
Carl found the ladder, steadied it against the tree, and guided
Jennie's little feet till they reached the topmost round, holding
on to her skirts so that she should not fall.
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