SHE HELD UP A HAND AS LIGHT AS A LEAF, AND HE TOOK IT IN A WIDE, GENTLE CLASP THAT ENVELOPED IT
"Ma dearie!"
Her violet lids fluttered, and she lay back from the gold-braided shoulder to her pillow, but smiling.
"I like your hand, Joe; I like it."
"I want you to, ma."
"We—I was afraid, Joe, I wouldn't, you never comin' at all. Shake it, Jimmie, and see."
"Aw!"
"It's a strong hand, like your papa's was, Essie. Shake it, Jimmie. I feel just like cryin', it's so good. Shake it, Jimmie."
Across the chasm of youth's prejudice Jimmie held out a reluctant hand.
"And this is the big brother, is it, little lady?"