The Mountain Girl by Emma Payne Erskine Chapter 9 Page 9

to have once more a little horse companionship. Side by side they stood, with bridles slipped back and hung to their saddles, while they crunched contentedly at the corn on the ear, which Hoyle had brought them.

While at dinner, Cassandra showed David her books, pleased that he asked to see them. “I brought them to study, should I get time. It’s right hard to give up hope — ” she glanced at her mother and lowered her voice. “To stop — anyhow — I thought I might teach Hoyle a little.”

“Ah, these are mostly school-books,” he said, glancing them over.

“Yes, I was at school this time — near Farington it was. Once I stayed with Bishop Towahs and helped do housework. I could learn a heap there —