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On a sunnyroo with James, who could now creep about the floor and must be returned to his pallet every few minutes The room was quiet except for the little baby noises Jaled to reach his rattle Mrs Randall was not there; she was in the kitchens 's supper Catherine spoke in her soft voice

"Surely Robbiethat I had forgotten Robbie's letter, had lost track of the time "Yes, surely," I said "Christmas is but a week away"

She put down her e out of the"Oh, Jessie, are you not worried about hiht of how Cathy and Robbie had been raised as brother and sister; it seemed quite natural tothan I did I forgot about him for days at a time I did not want to think of him in the back country, with his Indian wife; for I was afraid that, if I did, my contentment would shatter, and then I would be utterly lost I could not think of hiht all this while she sat quietly; then I said, "You said yourself, Cathy, Robbie needs more time to come into his responsibilities He is perfectly happy with the clan He is one of them But perhaps in ti!" she said "It is his birthright"

"It is your birthright as well, Cathy," I said "John will ood master, if Robbie does not wish to live here"

"John! Master of Brianag!" she said, turning to ood master, if he were called upon to do so But that is not what my parents wish They want Robbie here, to take up his responsibilities and behave as a gentleman must! It is my ain, taking the needle between her fingers and looking at it closely "And what of you, Jessie? What is to becolect you so? He has married you! Hee is always the hardest, is it not! Rereat deal of tiht for you! Just see hoell!" I rolled James over and tickled his belly, and he chuckled out loud