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Chapter 28
Shecreptbackandfumbledforthematches,besidethelantern.Theshadescreechedup.Shelightedthewick,watcheditburnblueforamomentandthenputupitsyellow,delicatelycurvedringoflight.Shecarriedthelanterntothestoveandsetitdownwhileshebrokethebrittledrywillowytwigsintothefirebox.Inamomentthefirewasroaringupthechimney.
RoseofSharonrolledheavilyoverandsatup.«I’llgitrightup,"shesaid.«Whyn’tyoulayaminutetillitwarms?»Maasked.«No,I’llgit.»Mafilledthecoffeepotfromthebucketandsetitonthestove,andsheputonthefryingpan,deepwithfat,togethotforthepones.«What’soveryou?»shesaidsoftly.«I’ma-goin’out,"RoseofSharonsaid.«Outwhere?»
«Goin’outtopickcotton.»
«Youcan’t,"Masaid.«You’retoofaralong.»
«No,Iain’t.An’I’ma-goin’.»Mameasuredcoffeeintothewater.«Rosasharn,youwasn’ttothepancakeslas’night.»Thegirldidn’tanswer.«Whatyouwantapickcottonfor?»Stillnoanswer.«Isit’causeofAlan’Aggie?»ThistimeMalookedcloselyatherdaughter.«Oh.Well,youdon’needtopick.»
«I’mgoin’.»
«Awright,butdon’youstrainyourself.»
«Gitup,Pa!Wakeup,gitup!»Pablinkedandyawned.«Ain’tslep’out,"hemoaned.«Mustabeenontoeleveno’clockwhenwewentdown.»
«Comeon,gitup,allayou,an’wash.»Theinhabitantsofthecarcameslowlytolife,squirmedupoutoftheblankets,writhedintotheirclothes.Maslicedsaltporkintohersecondfryingpan.
