"Never mind, Punch," she whispered. "I will speak to you just the same as ever and ever. You're my own, own brother though you are—though Aunty Rosa says you're Bad, and Harry[167] says you're a little coward. He says that if I pulled your hair hard, you'd cry." [167] "Pull, then," said Punch. Judy pulled gingerly. "Pull harder—as hard as you can! There! I don't mind how much you pull it now. If you'll speak to me same as ever I'll let you pull it as much as you like—pull it out if you like. But I know if Harry came and stood by and made you do it I'd cry." So the two children sealed the compact with a kiss, and Black Sheep's heart was cheered within him, and by extreme caution and careful avoidance of Harry he acquired virtue and was allowed to read undisturbed for a week. Uncle Harry took him for walks and consoled him with rough tenderness, never calling him Black Sheep. "It's good for you, I suppose, Punch," he used to say. "Let us sit down. I'm getting tired." His steps led him now not to the beach, but to the Cemetery of Rocklington, amid the potato-fields. For hours the gray man would sit on a tombstone, while Black Sheep read epitaphs, and then with a sigh would stump home again. "I shall lie there soon," said he to Black Sheep; one winter evening, when his face showed white as a worn silver coin under the lights of the chapel-lodge. "You need n't tell Aunty Rosa." A month later, he turned sharp round, ere half a[168] morning walk was completed, and stumped back to the house. "Put me to bed, Rosa," he muttered. "I've walked my last. The wadding has found me out." [168] They put him to bed, and for a fortnight the shadow of his sickness lay upon the house, and Black Sheep went to and fro unobserved. Papa had sent him some new books, and he was told to keep quiet. He retired into his own world, and was perfectly happy. Even at night his felicity was unbroken. He could lie in bed and string himself tales of travel and adventure while Harry was downstairs. "Uncle Harry's going to die," said Judy, who now lived almost entirely with Aunty Rosa. "I'm very sorry," said Black Sheep soberly. "He told me that a long time ago." Aunty Rosa heard the conversation. "Will nothing check
Prev.
Back
Top