Then Ephraim got into bed and pulled the quilts over him. For the
first and only occasion in his life he had had a good time.
The next morning Ephraim felt very ill, but he kept it from his
mother. He took his medicine of his own accord several times, and
turned his head from her, that she might not notice his laboring
breath.
In the middle of the forenoon Deborah went out. She had to drive over
to Bolton to get some sugar and tea. She would not buy anything now
at Berry's store. Caleb had gone down to the lot to cut a little
wood; he had harnessed the horse for her before he went. It was a
cold day, and she wrapped herself up well in two shawls and a thick
veil over her hood. When she was all ready she gave Ephraim his
parting instructions, rearing over him with stern gestures, like a
veiled justice.
"Now," said she, "you listen to what I tell you. When your father
comes in you tell him I want him to set right down and finish parin'
them apples. They are spoilin', an' I'm goin' to make 'em into sauce.
You tell him to set right down and go to work on 'em; he can get 'em
done by the time I get home, an' I can make the sauce this afternoon.
You set here an' take your medicine an' learn your catechism. You can
study over the Commandments, too; you ain't got 'em any too well. Do
you hear?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Ephraim.
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