So to all outward seeming Alexander McGivins was more the "he-woman"
than ever before, but in her inner heart the leaven of change was at
its yeasty work.
"I've got ter be a man," she told Joe, who mildly objected, even while
he leaned on her strength. "Now thet paw's gone, I hev greater need
then ever ter stand squ'ar on my own two feet."
The youth nodded. "I reckon ye're right," he acknowledged, "but folks
talks a heap. I'm always figgerin' thet I'm goin' ter hev ter lick
somebody erbout ye. I wouldn't suffer nobody ter speak ill of ye when
I war present."
Alexander looked steadily at the boy. "I'm obleeged ter ye, but I'll
do my own fightin', Joe," she told him calmly. "I'll even make shift
ter do some o' your'n, an' yit----" She paused a moment and he
inquired, "Wa'al, what's on yore mind, Alexander?"
"An' yit," she went on more slowly and thoughtfully, "I'd be mighty
nigh willin' ter prove ther cause of ye gittin' in one or two good
fights--ef hit couldn't be brought ter pass no other way."
"Paw always counseled peace, ef a feller warn't pushed too fur," he
alleged in defense of his pacific attitude.
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