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Updated: June 5, 2025
Anyway, Lafe will. He loves everybody, even dogs. He'll love you; sure he will!" The boy shook his head doubtfully. "Nobody but mothers are nice to blind kids. Well well 'cept you. I'd like to go to Lafe's house, though, but mebbe the woman wouldn't want me."
"You're good 'nough for me and Happy Pete," she asserted, "and Lafe'll let you be his little boy too." The blind child gasped, and the girl continued assuringly, "Peg'll love you, too. She couldn't help it." "Peg?" queried Bobbie. "Oh, she's Lafe's wife. Happy Pete and me stay in her house." The blind eyes flashed with sudden hope. "Mebbe she'll love me a little! Will she?" "I hope so.
"Just like that!" he gasped, letting out the air. "And Lafe?" ventured Jinnie. "Lafe's awful bad off, I guess. Bates' little boy told me he was going to die " "No, Bobbie, no, he isn't!" Jinnie's voice was sharp in protestation. "Yes, he is!" insisted Bobbie. "Bates' boy told me so! He said Lafe wouldn't ever come back to the shop, 'cause everybody says he killed Maudlin."
"I'd like to go, but I couldn't for lots of reasons!... Lafe wouldn't let me for one, and then Bobbie needs me awfully." They started on, and Jinnie could see Lafe's window, but not the cobbler himself. "But I'd bring you back at dusk," Theodore assured her, "and you'd be happy " "Happy! Happy!" she breathed, with melting eyes. "I'd be more'n happy, but I can't go."
"And before I go, I want you to promise me your niece won't go into the marshes even once more. I must have your word before I can be satisfied. As it is now, she earns three dollars a week bringing me wood. That I must add to the lesson money " Lafe's dissenting gesture broke off Mr. King's statement, but he resumed immediately.
"I'm just beginning to remember about the dance and getting hurt." Peggy stood a moment at the foot of the bed. "Lafe's got a whole pocket full o' money," she returned glibly. "That's nice," sighed the girl in relief. "Shut up now an' go to sleep! Lafe's got enough cash to last a month."
Then, as he leaned his golden head against his friend, Lafe's arm fell about him. "Tell me, laddie," insisted Mr. Grandoken. "My stars're all gone out," faltered the boy sadly. "What made 'em go out, Bob?... Can you tell?" "Yes," blubbered Bobbie. "I guess Jinnie's sick, that's what's the matter." "Sick?" asked Lafe, in a startled voice. "Who said so?... Did she?" Bobbie shook his head.
"Peggy," he said, touching her gently, "you've the biggest heart in all the world, and you're the very best woman; you be, sure! If you let the poor little kid stay, I'll make more money, if God gives me strength." Peggy pushed Lafe's hand from her arm.
"Lay your head on my arm." And this time he snuggled to her till the blind eyes and the pursed delicate mouth were hidden against her arm. "I told you, Bobbie," Jinnie resumed presently, "I'd let you be Lafe's little boy, didn't I?" "Yes, girl," replied the boy, sleepily. "Now wasn't that awful good of me?" "Awful good," was the dreamy answer. "My stars're glory bright now."
And as the white lids drooped over the violet eyes, Peg Grandoken's guardian angel registered another lie to her credit in the life-book of her Heavenly Father. The days rolled on and on, and the first warm impulses of spring brought Jinnie, pale and thin, back to Lafe's side.
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