closely the effect upon Little Wolf, while she purused
the letter, and as he discovered no symptoms of ridicule, he fairly
worshipped her for her forbearance. "Honey," said he, "what du you
think on it?"
"I don't know," replied Little Wolf absently, "I think on the whole it
will do very well."
Daddy's face fairly shone. "I know'd you would agree tu it," said he,
"you allers had uncommon penetration."
Little Wolf sat shivering and silent, while Daddy pronounced his
eulogy, and the old man began again to be alarmed. "O Honey," he broke
forth, "what makes you so sick? the doctor said you was doin fust rate
this afternoon. I guess I'd better go fur to fetch him right off."
"O no, Daddy, I'm only chilled; you may light me to my room."
"Sartin I will, Honey, and I'll keep a fire fur you all night, fur I
shouldn't sleep a wink nohow."
True to his word, Daddy diligently tended the fire, creating in Little
Wolf's apartment a general disturbance by his nocturnal labors. Had
she been so inclined, sleep would have been impossible, while Daddy's
enthusiasm raged, for a series of disasters attended his most careful
efforts. The bedroom door creaked, the stove door grated on its
hinges, the shovel and tongs would rattle, and there was sure to be an
occasional downfall of wood, which echoed through the lonely house
like the voice of seven thunders.
It was therefore quite a relief to Little Wolf when the grey morning
hours began to dawn and Daddy consented to seek a little repose, with
the promise that he should not be allowed to over-sleep, "fur," said
he, "I must start airly fur to post them are letters, and you won't
mind a calling of me, Honey, bein you had such a oncommon night's
rest, fur I took particular pains not to disturb you."
Little Wolf did not think it worth while to mention that she had lain
awake the entire night, for there was then no counting upon the effect
such a communication might have upon Daddy's already over-wrought
sensibilities. As it was, he left her, flattering himself that he had
greatly contributed to her health and comfort, and, with an approving
conscience, laid him down and slept.
At the appointed time he was awakened by Fanny, and rubbing open his
eyes, he asked, "Is the Honey up yet?"
"O yes, Daddy and we've all had breakfast, and I've got my sled all
ready for you to mend," said Fanny cheerfully.
"Why yes, Fanny, I know I promised fur tu mend it; but, 'tween you and
me, I've
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