Marigolddid not say a word of her fears to Uncle Klon.
There was another new
pupil, with amazingred-gold, bobbed curls, and they were all agog over her. I
wouldnt give her the satisfaction of telling it aslong as I am alive.
So
Marigold felt quite happy and thoughtschool was very nice. Very likely old
Cousin Malcolm was right.
To other people this part ofthe world was only the
orchard and the big spruce-bush on thehill. Andall his barking and tearing had
just been sheer neighbourliness.
This time Mother walked toschool with her and
at first it was lovely. Horrified, Grandmother made Marigoldget right up and
say them. They quarrelled as to whom shewould sit with and finally settled the
matter by drawing straws. Did you and Great-Grandfather live here when you were
married? She may as well getused to going alone, first as last. Plainly this
Lesley puss must have herclaws clipped at once.
Old Grandmother laughed until
she had to wipe the tears from hereyes. She sat upagainst her pillows and ate
her egg with a relish.
I shall always like cats a LITTLE better than dogs,
saidMarigold, but Mr. Theres something wrongabout a child who wants to be alone
so much. She could not understandwhy Mother permitted Sylvia at all.
Marigold
must learn to walk on the side of the road and nevercross it.
Im sure that long
walk to schoolis too much for her.
Dying peopledidnt go roaming in orchards or
eat eggs fried in butter.
Marigold had on her new bluedress, and her lunch was
packed in a little basket. Always found open no matter how it was shut
andlocked. I wouldnt give her the satisfaction of telling it aslong as I am
alive.
And Marigold, who hadonce wished he was dead, walked past Mr. Marigold
dropped book andlunch-box, and screamed.
Always got drunk on every solemn or
awful occasion. Unless that old affair about Adelas husbandand the arsenic
could be called one. She couldnt seem toremember half she was told.
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