“Perhaps you can, Rebby, sometime, you and I together,” replied Anna hopefully; “anyway, isn’t it lovely that I am home to stay?”
And to this Rebby could agree smilingly, but she kept in her heart the wish she had just uttered.
CHAPTER XII
WILD HONEY
Anna went singing about the house quite satisfied now to be herself; and Rebby and her mother smiled at each other at the happiness of the little girl.
“I doubt not you have learned many things, Danna,” said Rebby, a little wistfully, as the sisters sat on the broad doorstep after supper looking down at the broad flowing river.
“Yes, indeed!” replied Anna confidently. “Why, Rebby, I know all about history. The minister told me that a hundred and fifty years ago there were English traders living right here, and they were driven away by the French. And then, some forty years ago, Governor Belcher of Massachusetts came cruising along this coast, and there was no one at all here. And, Rebby, Mr. Lyon says there are no such pine forests in all the colonies as stretch along behind this settlement. But, Rebby, you are not listening!” and Anna looked reproachfully at her sister.
“Oh, yes, indeed, Danna, I heard every word. And I heard Father say that very soon there would be a regular school here, with a master, as soon as America conquers her enemies. But, Danna, do you suppose anyone will dare touch the liberty pole?” For Rebby’s thoughts could not long stray from Lucia Horton’s prediction that it might be cut down.