"Wal' now, Vesty, make your choice. You'd ruther keep company along o' Note than Gurd', had ye?" But he could not restrain the severe contempt in his voice in making the comparison.
Vesty had been soothing her face in the baby's frowzled hair.
"I told you," she said. But she glanced up at Gurdon, and her face was piteous, his had turned so white.
"Come, Gurd'! What d'ye care? Go on, Vesty, ef ye want to. Gurd 'n' me'll tote the baby till Elvine gits back." He took the infant and began to toss it, to compensate it for Vesty's withdrawal. His thick black hair fell over his forehead, his nose was fine and straight. Gurdon came forward obediently to assist him. He had the same great bulk, and even handsomer features, only that his hair was smooth and parted.
Vesty and her lover passed on together. Her heart was leaping with joy and pride of him; still, she saw Gurdon's look.
"You have been so long at that great college, Notely."
"Yes."
"Why must some one always be hurt?"
"We go to school, but the schools can't teach us anything, Vesty.
"'Oh, sail away to Galilee,
Sail away to Galilee!'"