She read the date, “'London Grove, 5th month, 22d.—Most affectionately beloved.'” “He means us all,” said Rachel, turning to the children with a tender smile. “It's spelled with a small b.”
“He means thee!” said Dorothy, laughing. “Thee's not such a very big beloved.”
There was a moment's silence. “I don't know that the opening of the letter is of general interest,” Rachel mused, with her eyes traveling slowly down the page. “He says: 'In regard to my health, lest thee should concern thyself, I am thankful to say I have never enjoyed better since years have made me acquainted with my infirmities of body, and I earnestly hope that my dear wife and children are enjoying the same blessing.
“'I trust the boys are not deficient in obedience and helpfulness. At Sheppard's age I had already begun to take the duties of a man upon my shoulders.'”
Sheppard giggled uncomfortably, and Dorothy laughed outright.
“Oh, if father only knew how good the boys are! Mother, thee must write and tell him about their 'helpfulness and obedience'! Thee can tell him their appetites keep up pretty well; they manage to take their meals regularly, and they are always out of bed by eight o'clock to help me hang up the milking-stool!”
“Just wait till thee gets into the mill-head again, Dorothy Barton! Thee needn't come to me to help thee out!”
“Go on, mother. Don't let the boys interrupt thee!”
“Well,” said Rachel, rousing herself, “where was I? Oh, 'At Sheppard's age'! Well, next come some allusions to the places where he has visited and his spiritual exercises there. I don't know that the boys are quite old enough to enter into this yet. Thee'd better read it thyself, Dorothy. I'm keeping all father's letters for the boys to read when they are old enough to appreciate them.”
“Well, I think thee might read to us about where he's been preachin'. We can understand a great deal more than thee thinks we can,” said Shep in an injured voice. “Reuby can preach some himself. Thee ought to hear him, mother. It's almost as good as meetin'.”