Now and then a soft-hearted and chivalrous
male would observe indulgently of some village beauty, "I shouldn't
wonder a mite if she could 'a' had Bill for the askin'"; but this
opinion would be met by such a chorus of feminine incredulity that its
author generally withdrew it as unsound and untenable.
It was then, when Dick had gone away, that the days had grown drab and
long, but the twins kept Letty's inexperienced hands busy, though in
the first year she had the help of old Miss Clarissa Perry, a
childless expert in the bringing-up of babies.
The friendship of Reba Larrabee, so bright and cheery and
comprehending, was a never-ending solace. There was nothing of the
martyr about Letty. She was not wholly resigned to her lot, and to
tell the truth she did not intend to be, for a good many years yet.
"I'm not a minister, but I'm the wife of a minister, which is the next
best thing," Mrs. Larrabee used to say. "I tell you, Letty, there's no
use in human creatures being resigned till their bodies are fairly
worn out with fighting. When you can't think of another mortal thing
to do, be resigned; but I'm convinced that the Lord is ashamed of us
when we fold our hands too soon!"
"You were born courageous, Reba!" And Letty would look admiringly at
the rosy cheeks and bright eyes of her friend.
"My blood circulates freely; that helps me a lot.
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