"Grey, Zane - Betty Zane" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grey Zane)

"We are glad you have returned," answered his wife, whose glowing face
testified to the pleasure she felt. "Supper is ready--Annie, bring in some
cream--yes, indeed, I am happy that you are home. I never have a moment's
peace when you are away, especially when you are accompanied by Lewis Wetzel."

"Our hunt was a failure," said the Colonel, after he had helped himself to a
plate full of roast wild turkey. "The bears have just come out of their
winter's sleep and are unusually wary at this time. We saw many signs of their
work, tearing rotten logs to pieces in search of grubs and bees' nests. Wetzel
killed a deer and we baited a likely place where we had discovered many bear
tracks. We stayed up all night in a drizzling rain, hoping to get a shot. I am
tired out. So is Tige. Wetzel did not mind the weather or the ill luck, and
when we ran across some Indian sign he went off on one of his lonely tramps,
leaving me to come home alone."

"He is such a reckless man," remarked Mrs. Zane.

"Wetzel is reckless, or rather, daring. His incomparable nerve carries him
safely through many dangers, where an ordinary man would have no show
whatever. Well, Betty, how are you?"

"Quite well," said the slender, dark-eyed girl who had just taken the seat
opposite the Colonel.

"Bessie, has my sister indulged in any shocking escapade in my absence? I
think that last trick of hers, when she gave a bucket of hard cider to that
poor tame bear, should last her a spell."

"No, for a wonder Elizabeth has been very good. However, I do not attribute it
to any unusual change of temperament; simply the cold, wet weather. I
anticipate a catastrophe very shortly if she is kept indoors much longer."

"I have not had much opportunity to be anything but well behaved. If it rains
a few days more I shall become desperate. I want to ride my pony, roam the
woods, paddle my canoe, and enjoy myself," said Elizabeth.

"Well! Well! Betts, I knew it would be dull here for you, but you must not get
discouraged. You know you got here late last fall, and have not had any
pleasant weather yet. It is perfectly delightful in May and June. I can take
you to fields of wild white honeysuckle and May flowers and wild roses. I know
you love the woods, so be patient a little longer."

Elizabeth had been spoiled by her brothers--what girl would not have been by
five great big worshippers?--and any trivial thing gone wrong with her was a
serious matter to them. They were proud of her, and of her beauty and
accomplishments were never tired of talking. She had the dark hair and eyes so
characteristic of the Zanes; the same oval face and fine features: and added
to this was a certain softness of contour and a sweetness of expression which
made her face bewitching. But, in spite of that demure and innocent face, she
possessed a decided will of her own, and one very apt to be asserted; she was