I never heerd a man talk I
liked to hear so much."
Ellen secretly resolved something _should_ bring him; and went
on with a purpose she had had for some time in her mind.
"Wouldn't it be pleasant, while you are lying there and can do
nothing — wouldn't you like to have me read something to you,
Mr. Van Brunt? _I_ should like to, very much."
"It's just like you," said he, gratefully — "to think of that;
but I wouldn't have you be bothered with it."
"It wouldn't, indeed. I should like it very much."
"Well, if you've a mind," said he — "I can't say but it would
be a kind o' comfort to keep that grain out o' my head a
while. Seems to me I have cut and housed it all three times
over already. Read just whatever you have a mind to. If you
was to go over a last year's almanac it would be as good as a
fiddle to me."
"I'll do better for you than that, Mr. Van Brunt," said Ellen,
laughing in high glee at having gained her point. She had
secretly brought her _Pilgrim's Progress_ with her, and now with
marvellous satisfaction drew it forth.
"I han't been as much of a reader as I had ought to," said Mr.
Van Brunt, as she opened the book and turned to the first
page; "but, however, I understand my business pretty well; and
a man can't be everything to once. Now let's hear what you've
got there."
With a throbbing heart, Ellen began; and read, notes and all,
till the sound of tramping hoofs and Alice's voice made her
break off.
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