“Papa!” it pleaded.
I jumped up from my chair. Evidently that child needed—
“Papa, kiss!” says Deedee, soft and pleadin'.
Well, I rather guess we all kissed her! We hugged her until she was gaspin' for breath, and she smiled at us, and forgive us all, even while the sobs come once in a while to interfere with her smilin'.
“Ain't she a dear, dear baby?” cried Marthy. “Poor little thing!”
When we had loved her enough to spoil any good the spankin' had done, Marthy drove us out.
“Come, deary,” she says to Deedee, “say your little prayers, mama forgot.”
Deedee pressed up against her ma's knee, joyous.
“Now I—” Marthy prompts her.
“Nowee—” says Deedee.