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           Itwashorribletowatch,andnotsomethingsoftwordsorkissescouldheal.

           Whenshewascalmagainhepickedherupandcarriedhertoapileofsweet-smellinghaynearMr.Robertson’smare;theysattheretogetherandletthehorselipattheedgesoftheirstrawbed,losttotheworld.Meggie’sheadwascradledonFrank’ssmoothbarechest,tendrilsofherhairflyingaroundasthehorseblewgustybreathsintothehay,snortingwithpleasure.

           "Whydidshecaneallofus,Frank?"Meggieasked."Itoldheritwasmyfault."

           Frankhadgotusedtohersmellanddidn’tminditanymore;hereachedoutahandandabsentlystrokedthemare’snose,pushingitawaywhenitgottooinquisitive.

           "We’repoor,Meggie,that’sthemainreason.Thenunsalwayshatepoorpupils.Afteryou’vebeeninSisterAg’smoldyoldschoolafewdaysyou’llseeit’snotonlytheClearysshetakesitouton,buttheMarshallsandtheMacDonaldsaswell.We’reallpoor.Now,ifwewererichandrodetoschoolinabigcarriageliketheO’Briens,they’dbealloveruslikearash.Butwecan’tdonateorganstothechurch,orgoldvestmentstothesacristy,oranewhorseandbuggytothenuns.Sowedon’tmatter.Theycandowhattheyliketous.