Паутина Шарлотты

           "

           "Iseenodifference,"repliedFern,stillhangingontotheax."ThisisthemostterriblecaseofinjusticeIeverheardof."

           AqueerlookcameoverJohnArable’sface.Heseemedalmostreadytocryhimself.

           "Allright,"hesaid."YougobacktothehouseandIwillbringtheruntwhenIcomein.I’llletyoustartitonabottle,likeababy.Thenyou’llseewhattroubleapigcanbe."

           WhenMr.Arablereturnedtothehousehalfanhourlater,hecarriedacartonunderhisarm.Fernwasupstairschanginghersneakers.Thekitchentablewassetforbreakfast,andtheroomsmelledofcoffee,bacon,dampplaster,andwoodsmokefromthestove.

           "Putitonherchair!"saidMrs.Arable.Mr.ArablesetthecartondownatFern’splace.Thenhewalkedtothesinkandwashedhishandsanddriedthemontherollertowel.

           Ferncameslowlydownthestairs.Hereyeswereredfromcrying.Assheapproachedherchair,thecartonwobbled,andtherewasascratchingnoise.Fernlookedatherfather.Thensheliftedthelidofthecarton.There,inside,lookingupather,wasthenewbornpig.Itwasawhiteone.Themorninglightshonethroughitsears,turningthempink.

           "He’syours,"saidMr.Arable."Savedfromanuntimelydeath.AndmaythegoodLordforgivemeforthisfoolishness."

           Ferncouldn’ttakehereyesoffthetinypig."Oh,"shewhispered."Oh,lookathim!He’sabsolutelyperfect."

           Sheclosedthecartoncarefully.Firstshekissedherfather,thenshekissedhermother.Thensheopenedthelidagain,liftedthepigout,andhelditagainsthercheek.AtthismomentherbrotherAverycameintotheroom.