XVI
The girl looked up from her copying. Uncle William stood in the doorway, beaming on her. She got up quickly. “You are early.”
Uncle William held out a hand detainingly. “You set right down and go to work. I come early a-purpose. I thought I’d like to set a spell and watch ye.”
The girl resumed her copying. The lamp beside her shed its dull glow on the page, and on her face and neck, as she bent to it. The dark room rose mysteriously behind her. Uncle William settled himself in his chair with a breath of relief.
When she had finished the copying she came across to him. “It is done now.” She smiled to him through the dim light.
“Keeps you workin’ pretty steady, don’t it?” said Uncle William.
“Yes.” There was no complaint in the word.
Uncle William nodded. “I reckoned I’d find you doin’ it. That’s why I come early. I kind o’ wanted a chance to set—where ’t was quiet and things wa’n’t worryin’.”
She leaned forward. “Is he worse?”