Anne watched Polly's face and knew she comprehended, then she
continued:
"If we have breakfast in the open air it will be much cooler for every
one, and Sary need not stop her routine work on account of our being in
her way in the kitchen. If we help and wait on ourselves Sary need not
be delayed by our tardiness in appearing at table."
"Miss Stewart, I think you're right. And one good thing about eating
out here is that we won't feel crowded together with nothing to look at
but each other. At least we have the mountains, if we make the oak-
trees our new dining-room."
Anne laughed at the manner of Polly's approval and said: "Yes, Polly,
the mountains are great and wonderful and so silent, besides."
"Let's go now and ask Maw what she thinks of the plan."
"In a moment, Polly. You know I am anxious to help you in every way,
and to teach you if you express yourself poorly?"
"Yes; that's the only good thing about this awful visit," admitted the
girl.
"Then allow me to correct an error in speech. If you wish to go to
Denver High this fall, I want you to use refined expressions."
Anne looked at her companion and smiled kindly, and Polly said: "Oh,
I'll be so glad to correct any mistakes. Tell me what?"
"Just now you called your mother 'Maw.' And I have heard you call your
father 'Paw.' They are western terms, but they are not considered
correct or refined, elsewhere. The name of Father or Mother is a term
of respect and loving reverence from the children.
Pages:
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87