What are you trying to tell Caddy." Caddy smelled like trees and like when she says we were asleep.
What are you moaning about, Luster said. You can watch them again when we get to the branch.
Here.
Here's you a jimson weed.
He gave me the flower.
We went through the fence, into the lot.
"What is it." Caddy said "What are you trying to tell Caddy.
Did they send him out, Versh."
"Couldn't keep him in." Versh said. "He kept on until they let him go and he come right straight down here, looking through the gate."
"What is it." Caddy said. "Did you think it would be Christmas when I came home from school.
Is that what you thought.
Christmas is the day after tomorrow.
Santy Claus, Benjy. Santy Claus.
Come on, let's run to the house and get warm." She took my hand and we ran through the bright rustling leaves.
We ran up the steps and out of the bright cold, into the dark cold.
Uncle Maury was putting the bottle back in the sideboard.
He called Caddy.
Caddy said,
"Take him in to the fire, Versh.
Go with Versh." she said. "I'll come in a minute."
We went to the fire.
Mother said,
"Is he cold, Versh."
"Nome." Versh said.
"Take his overcoat and overshoes off." Mother said. "How many times do I have to tell you not to bring him into the house with his overshoes on.
"Yessum." Versh said. "Hold still, now."
He took my overshoes off and unbuttoned my coat.
Caddy said,
"Wait, Versh.
Cant he go out again, Mother.
I want him to go with me.
"You'd better leave him here." Uncle Maury said. "He's been out enough today."
"I think you'd both better stay in." Mother said. "It's getting colder, Dilsey says."
"Oh, Mother." Caddy said.
"Nonsense." Uncle Maury said. "She's been in school all day. She needs the fresh air.
Run along, Candace."
"Let him go, Mother." Caddy said. "Please.
You know he'll cry."
"Then why did you mention it before him." Mother said. "Why did you come in here.
To give him some excuse to worry me again.
You've been out enough today.
I think you'd better sit down here and play with him."
"Let them go, Caroline." Uncle Maury said. "A little cold wont hurt them.
Remember, you've got to keep your strength up.
"I know." Mother said. "Nobody knows how I dread Christmas.
Nobody knows.
I am not one of those women who can stand things.
I wish for Jason's and the children's sakes I was stronger."
"You must do the best you can and not let them worry you. " Uncle Maury said. "Run along. you two.
But dont stay out long, now. Your mother will worry."