He pulled another stool up to the
fireplace and sat facing Sarah.
"I wasn't meaning to tell you just yet," she said. "Leastways until I
had a chance to talk to your pa."
"What is it, Mamma?"
"There's a new neighbor come to Pigeon Creek," she said. "Man by the
name of James Swaney. He is farming now, but he is fixing to keep a
school next winter."
Abe jumped up and stood looking down at her. "Do you reckon that Pa--"
"Your pa is worried," Sarah interrupted. "Money-worried. He may have to
sell some of his land. That's why he gets riled so easy--like
yesterday."
Abe flushed.
"I want you to be careful," said Sarah. "Try not to get his dander up."
"I'll try not to."
"Maybe you recollect what I promised you when I first came. I said I'd
ask your pa to let you go to school again. Now I'm a body that believes
in keeping my promises. I just want to wait till he feels good."
Sarah's sewing basket spilled to the floor, as Abe pulled her to her
feet. He put his long arms around her waist and gave her a good bear
hug.
"Abe Lincoln, you're most choking me," she said breathlessly.
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