Chapman had not been long gone when Mattie came rolicking into the
house, as if to form a bright and sunny contrast with the scene that had
just ended. She carried a little basket in her hand, was dressed in a
flowing white skirt and sack, wore a broad sun hat encircled with a blue
ribbon, and her golden hair was decorated with wild flowers. There was
something so fascinating in that merry, laughing voice, something so
pure, innocent, and girlish in that simple dress and that sweet, smiling
face, that it seemed as if Heaven had ordained her to represent truth
and goodness. Setting the basket down on the table she ran to Angeline,
embraced and kissed her, not perceiving that trouble had depressed that
good woman's spirits.
"And you, too, good Father Hanz," she said, turning to him, and saluting
him in her free, frank manner; "you shall have a kiss, too." And she
took his hand and imprinted a kiss on his cheek.
She suddenly discovered that something was the matter, paused, and
looked at Angeline with an air of surprise.
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