"
"Beasts!" Mrs. Dicky said savagely. "Two hours, and we daren't move!"
"Drink, pretty creature!" Mr. Dick said, motioning to my glass. "Don't
be afraid of it, Minnie; it's food and drink."
"I don't like it," I said, sipping at it. "I'd rather have the spring
water."
"You'll have to cultivate a taste for it," he explained. "You'll like
the second half better."
I got it down somehow and started for the door. Mr. Dick came after me
with something that smelled fishy on the end of a fork.
"Better eat something," he suggested. "That was considerable champagne,
Minnie."
"Stuff and nonsense," I said. "I was tired and it has rested me. That's
all, Mr. Dick."
"Sure?"
"Certainly," I said with dignity, "I'm really rested, Mr. Dick. And
happy--I'm very happy, Mr. Dick."
"Perhaps I'd better close the door," he said. "The light may be seen--"
"You needn't close it until I've finished talking," I said. "I've done
my best for you and yours, Mr. Dick. I hope you appreciate it. Night
after night I've tramped out here through the snow, and lost sleep, and
lied myself black in the face--you've no idea how I've had to lie, Mr.
Dick."
"Come in and shut the door, Dick," Mrs. Dick called, "I'm freezing."
That made me mad.
"Exactly," I said, glaring at her through the doorway. "Exactly--I can
wade through the snow, bringing you meals that you scorn--oh, yes, you
scorn them. What did you do to the basket tonight? Look at it, lying
there, neglected in a corner, with p--perfectly good ham and stewed
fruit in it.
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