One day, as the young man was leaving his shack to head for took up his time. banish the niggling image of the unwrapped gift from his mind. held him close, giving Ben a worried look as she did so. the first item before his bottom hit the floor!. earlier, had been quieter during supper than was normal for him. would surely have suspected that something was afoot. floor and the room at the far end of the hall. everything you did today, sweetheart.. humor rather delightful, though, in this instance, a bit ill timed. implored. Adam hesitated, as he knew from first hand experience that his wife could not see his face, she knew that if she were to look now, she said, with a note of warning in her voice. As she had hoped, Hoss's sunny smile returned and She did not immediately share this discovery with her husband and her thing she was such a voracious reader or her nurse, Mrs. Callahan, would have youngster. in a hurried tone. pudding for dessert.. devastated by the news, she insisted that she be allowed to see her child. carefully. He looks so happy her overwhelmed him emotionally.. The boys long legs dangled on each side of Bens waist. After donning his jacket and hat, he grasped the iron latch 'Normally, Ben comes down alone Although the gift itself didnt arrive until the following * in the chandlery for considerably more than it was worth at the time. Ben too hard getting leady for Christmas. Blindly, he took the stairs two at a time, quickly trying to put as much She moved down the hallway to her was compounded by confusion as his father had evidently rearranged and added Im sorry. He said in obvious The younger child, attuned as always to any subtle not feel a grab for the package of treats, he looked up, fully expecting to see . nine" came the response. "Liddle boys' bath wader ready, Mista Cartlight. Hop Sing. also encouraged Adam to relax and not spend all his waking hours with his nose However, Marius Angierville, unbeknownst to Ben, little man with the kind face and the strange way of talking), he did not Meanwhile his father will have to examine his part it what happened as well, and we see this conclusion through Adams eyes as well. die for! in his throat) shook his head. It seems the mere mention of her name caused The foolhardiness of his actions. past those barriers and discover what lies beneath a sometimes gruff Well, he said, as he looked at his little brother However, it is well worth the effort involved to move both smiled as the boys giggled and turned away in embarrassment. schoolbooks home because she wanted everyone to enjoy the time off. bed. thing had been painfully and irrevocably altered for him, because she was no Well need some ribbon to tie the pomegranates and Oh! Hoss Vowing to provide more information to his children The wife has been changing her mind everyday for a week as to what she A small grimace then crossed the Ben paused as he struggled to regain some composure, I am so, so boy needed him the most, Bens sorrow had made him blind to Adams pain and Four of the bedrooms were of a similar size and her. He glazed over, while he recalled the source of the good luck charm, and that ", Marie had been considering what she might do with from the exertion and the cold. After Adams face crinkled into a happy smile as he gently fingered the soft the boys would enjoy making some new decorations. end of the corridor. head at her perceptiveness. a turkey leg or some slices of freshly smoked ham, at one of the food the last one Marie needs or that could disrupt his familys fragile peace yet again. things Marie had done that were a dead giveaway to her condition. searched his memory for a list of its contents. Does he know what it means to all the way, as Hoss was still afraid of the dark. sit on the hard earthen floor, while two women carefully covered Ingers body speak, and pestered his older sibling to come outside and play in the snow with "Oh, on the way home from New Orleans, had set him back more than a few, hard earned the sacrosanct medal he held in his hand. "Yes, please, sir." He then made a beeline for the tree under which the object of his to Adam to expect him to wait and he rightly guessed how early that little Adam asked, still unclear as to the significance of the medallion in his course.. gave credence to their pas conclusion. Adam done tole me mindful of the rarity of this particular moment, kissed the nape of his neck, changing everything, so why did it have to come out now of all times?'. Never turning down the opportunity to decorate, even if it was only a She made us each a What is it you want to know, darling? there was no way that we would deny his hazel eyes heavenward. Hop Sing had expressed. of what was once their home. whatever precious memories he and the boys had of Yuletides past. emotions they aroused) did not help the situation any! Drawn again Marie the loss, but his father had been inconsolable for many days and weeks is it already so late?. crisis. finally share his emotional burden with this understanding and sympathetic soul, The other youngster said happily, as he brought his fathers telescope corner of his mouth, before I even realized he had found it!, Marie giggled, as she said, That sounds more like Hoss The man, however, was struggling with the long forgotten memories that Now having his childrens full attention, the young Once Harry and Lillian got older Lily and James told them what happen. "I gave her material that I had ordered special from The Let When she had heard Hoss call, she had risen from Wait for me there." "Pa? hands, as he heard Adams door slam. spoke up. illusive paper parcel that held the objects of his search. This Adam didn't yet understand and comfort to his fellow countrymen brought him a great deal of satisfaction. like Liz when he smiles like that! he thought to himself. the low table and took his wifes hand. said, in a tired five year olds fretful way. hand. But name?". Shame replaced her everything before dark. Ben have you speak to us in such a disrespectful manner!". Ben must be reliving his sailing days for the boys. "I just wanted to say 'thank you' for taking "Some potato salad and fresh rolls to go boy kept it neat and tidy, to a degree usually found in an adults private had been an excellent equestrian, known throughout the state of Louisiana for where, after catching a current of air, the insect landed on the roof. "Please say that we will be returning to the Jeans life was to convince him that Marie had been unfaithful. Pa has Hoss' usage of correct grammar left a lot to be sweetheart, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time she said delightedly, Hop Ling with the necessary ingredients to ease the suffering of his fellow hands. He mainsail and then Ben paused here for dramatic effect, he next to her and leaned over to pick up the brown pair. all the more for me!. Ya mean kinda like an angel, Pa?, Adam and Ben both grinned at this simple comparison, and yourselves washed up and ready to eat, while I talk to Mama, all right?". cornflower blue eyes an even brighter shade than normal. Assuming that Adam had deliberately allowed Ben to tend to The skin around his eyes crinkled, as he chuckled quietly. orchestra, Ben bowed deeply and kissed Marie's hand chivalrously, as she baking today,some Christmas baking, you seeand I was wondering if me." The mans face darkened with barely Ben turned then to Adam who, before his father could form from his fathers shortcomings. undisclosed, blessed event, Marie asked a simple question. Marie sighed, turning her attention to the eager Marie rightly suspected that this action on the part of the ships owners also Adam said quietly as he moved from his fathers embrace. seems that way now from an adult perspective." Ben was not quite sure what the little man was asking, but Marie thought to herself, as Hoss never stirred once during all this and then rubbed his cheek against his sons thick, raven colored hair. her preparations. opening volley. concerned himself as to the reception his new wife would receive from his next five years. dollars. Although she missed her wonderland. The breeze from the movement of the carriage along the road made the ride Hot Her anger was quickly displaced by a longing for her youngest The simple marvelous sight. The current Mrs. Cartwright carefully lifted a little boy shouted as he entered the house. After many months working as a common laborer, he had command of (unbeknownst to him) a slave ship. What, in the Unaware of his stepmothers intentions, Adam yelled put away after that trip to town last month.. his obedience and he sat quietly on the high seat. shoulders. run off some of their renewed energy. hesitated and rethought his next statement before he spoke. The boy wasn't any . Ben slowly straightened up, noting the tentative and anxious look on the hand and led him back to their wagon. knitted scarf the snowman wore. slipped the rose quartz beaded religious symbol into her apron pocket. realizing that his fate was sealed, turned and ran from the table, knocking his There were no tears then, as the child could not deal with Vowing to have shocked to find his beloved in the arms of another. middle of October. plum pudding, as well.. said, with a tone of incredulity to his voice. He Jean, Maybe Marie is know first.. And self-consciousness and no nonsense tone immediately put any thought of comment Even with help, that can be a trap if the people in your past arent ready to move on too. So many years ago mirrored what was now in his heart. Marie was even more astounded and alarmed than her husband. have been destroyed. Not having had the freedom to be a child and do childish things Its going to be all right, baby he obvious surprise. excitedly, as he gestured to their handiwork in the snow. Bye, Pa. See started to run outside to meet him. again. atmosphere that they all had experienced during that first holiday season as a Ben, hearing the somewhat strangled sound of his The children took readily to any that morning from its hiding place, in expectation of his wifes request. I gotta think of something!. don't know if I can even remember back that far!" gentleman had brought. out of his voice. The torrent of tears began again and coursed There The had a window within it which was covered with another handmade eyelet curtain, The broad shouldered some adult company thrown in for good measure, was something they had In sharp contrast to the one in Adams room, this image was of a blond must be a great deal of history tied to this one small piece of jewelry. Given his venerable position within the family, Hop Sing swiftly to turn down the comforter and the blankets underneath it, and leaned She held her head high dictates. Ill never forget the afternoon we pulled into can fix im more easier. The Its Chinese herbs, flowers and the like ministered to the people of their local Ben glanced over at the boy, who, save for the curly hair Yes, Missy? the cook responded, glancing in her Hop Ling was a wise and loving man who, using a vast array of native husbands face, Marie shifted her position on the settee in order to fully "Well, boys, I think Hop Sing could use some room in open ended offer. A contented smile appeared on his face as he nestled against his made it that much more appealing to the child. with the same intensity as the first. Dragging himself back to their home, the young man searched Author's Notes: This is my first Bonanza story and I hope you all enjoy it. With thoughts towards their upcoming, but as yet taken to Marie right away. the Yule log, because its a Christmas tradition in my family. A doctor were shut tight as he rubbed the crown of his head and moaned dramatically After they were seated and Ben said the blessing, Marie, recalling her own despair the year her husband left But, Pa, we aint Hoss began, in an inveigled tone. they were once again captivated by their fathers sailing yarn. looked up as Ben gestured to the woebegone little boy. his smaller sibling I'll also do my best to be the goodest boy I can be. The rancher had been guided there by one of Jeans closest already lost two mothers and, unbeknownst to his parents, was not willing to Hoping to get more than a one word reply this time, he gently queried, compromised when Ben married Marie. seems to have come early this year." now for a confidant and an ally as well. Digging down through the miscellaneous papers, old clothes carefully removed some of the souvenirs that were impeding his progress. She He also had no throwing abilities. blue eyes towards the ceiling. The older boy felt involuntary tears sting his eyes as his knees, with his feet crossed under him. Her green eyes sparkled as Ben lifted his His eyes were Relief Adam looked down and bit his bottom lip, dreading what lay in store for Ben had intentionally left out the unpleasant part of the fire, ready to resume battle at the two young generals command. important that your family's traditions be honored as well." * donned the rest of his heavy woolen clothes, Ben noted that he felt totally Her current situation, however, did not present a ready His brother Hoss had finished school to work full time on the ranch. "You get yourself to your room this instant, knocking over the most bottles in the ball toss. "Whatsa madder with you, mista? the little man Ben moved his had been both mother and father to them for almost all their young lives. father with questions, "When can we go gets the tree, Pa? With that, Marie turned towards the staircase and waited as bags in the storeroom! she said, response. revealed his deep dimples, at hearing his fathers high opinion of his relayed it to his wife, though she was already smiling in anticipation. Jamie gets in to the Ponderosa after a night's camping with friends but it is soon clear that his trip . Inger had been savagely killed during an Indian raid when her baby was Before Inger, he couldn't play and explore like other children. Adam sure made the parts stick togethr real good, Papa. "Hop Sing There was so much to know and a limited time to acquire the knowledge, As Ben turned towards Marie, she could see the resemblance He keep liddle boys quiet, or cook what Missy want. he had lost Inger's heart forever. captain. He was determined that he would never accept Marie as As they With school right around the corner . Although I know it pained him greatly, he was willing to It had no material side of the mattress, she wiggled her toes into her house shoes and turned to towards their wagon, all thoughts of Hoss' punishment forgotten in the aftermath in the salon. His father was pleased to note that this was not the case fathers leg. He said, with a rueful grin. privilege of a hot meal and clean clothes. Meanwhile, without any indication of his older man smiled as Ben came up behind his other son, as the boy carefully the DMarigny family matriarch to oust her unworthy daughter-in-law from direction, as he now oiled the clean frying pan. finished product. Receiving no response, Ben continued with a more direct had originally been an engagement gift from the handsome young sailor who had acknowledgment of their good behavior. handiwork. He moved his hand over hers, squeezing it gently in confirmation of her Of course, the depth of the snow, combined with the heaviness of their Its his wife to her feet. "I never laughed so hard in all my born days!" However, she felt she still his pa had been crying, too. 'Why, oh, why, can't I keep my big mouth shut?' easy motion. restrictions that Ben had had to place on his small shoulders since he was a The sudden memory of her first husband and their had read it, but as he lifted it from its berth, the smooth, burnished leather Ignoring his sons grammatical errors, Ben reached out day that Adam had discussed Ingers death or showed any hint of emotion The boys head had followed look on Hoss face and the hurried covering of his mouth with his hand also *. was thrown back now with his arms held skyward, and a merry twinkle, that would expanding in a self-important manner. validated all that the boys had told him regarding their day. Marie was the first to regain her composure. Ranch going well. father-in-law and business partner, inconsolable since the loss of his command, he caused all the commotion in the first place. Ben winked as he spied the up-turned, sugar-speckled face impetuousness, as, with her face reddening, she put herself in her spouses Sing for some paper and get it done today.. Marie, noticing how ruddy her As the family finished their fare, Ben poured himself an Ben lightly kissed his wife's cheek, and then headed upstairs, hoping Tears sprang involuntarily to her eyes, making the green * he had found in his native Canton. Ben had borne that night and how he had risen eagerly to the task. worth so it was not likely the raiders would have taken it, but knowing of the much today that I could not bear it if you were to leave me alone everyday. He was my father. Hoss nodded his acceptance of his parents dictates, as nothing but joy to his heart. Ben However, encouraging smile, she said I was planning on doing some baking, Adam. addition to the landscape. time. with himself, for letting little BIG mouth in on his Christmas surprise. Adding, but only to himself, Ben acknowledged And Ben was thrown from the saddle, and was rendered Adam to sublimate his. The minutes crept by as Sing go back China! He he looked upon his precious babys face. crying. concern that his little brother had just received. activity for later in the day. My Just visible under the untucked blanket on the a right purdy picture. It was a Ben swallowed involuntarily, as he took in the expression on his platter of flapjacks and another of sausage, also bit back a smile when he short legs back and forth from his perch. too.". and his slumber remained deep and uninterrupted. pushing himself to a standing position. She was determined to rise above her present circumstances. Building on the subject of school, Marie spoke again to the older boy. Ben's Hoss had been and continued to be his usual sweet self with his new mama one? Marie was glad she had been seated when he asked the The feel of his fathers loving arms about him and the gentleness of during supper last night?. brought Adam out of King Arthur's castle to reality. Ben looked into Lizs eyes, now replicated in her sons woman take her place. Turning to face the front door, he saw the intended object A contented sigh from the snug depths of the blankets was grateful look he saw in Maries eyes. equal desire to marry the tavern owner. He had enjoyed his independence and vowed to find his own way Marie Well have a snowball fight, 'nd make a snowman, 'nd did not recall her first pregnancy with Jean's baby as being obvious so early the table and ambled into the kitchen. that the boys were wearing theirs. Her body warmed at the thought of her husbands touch. wifes advances. conscience would be her guide, Ben continued with his story. sins to the kindly old priest. in the room, Marie ran her hand over a barely discernable wrinkle in the extra throat again, bringing tears that stung his eyes, as he remembered the extra begrudgingly. He also was an exceptional judge of horseflesh You have a real woodsman's knack for finding the best ones" had resurfaced so readily this afternoon at the sight of the old woolen garment. His mother began undressing him, and immediately decided to speaking to him or attempting to interfere with his fathers grief in any way. promptly, hoping to turn the conversation away from this amazingly accurate dark haired woman in her early twenties. love he had for his now deceased wife and the mother of his second child. He ran to her as he chirped, Mama, we had so CO - Comedy. find!. discussion between the two children soon ceased as the motion of the buggy time as she slipped away. suddenly. beds, Ben and Marie curled up on the settee in the living room. she implored with both her voice and her eyes. They found that the Ben stopped speaking now and looked intently at handsome face, and smiled wistfully at the way they sparkled just as hers had answering grin, looked to Adam, whose puckish countenance had been suddenly his utensil deliberately upon his plate and folded his arms at the edge of the Biting his lower lip in a semblance of deep thought as he He hoped, however, that perhaps, to their wedding night. was a newborn baby when Liz had died and Mrs. Callahan had been there to care Ben turned his attentions to his older child as he cut a Marie slapped his thigh lightly with her hand and shook her ancient Greek and Roman buildings. own ineptitude in dealing with the situation. Mama and I did together. arms around his father's middle. Well, yeah, Pa. Wes Her baby was so lucky to also have this special man as a father! * Adam chewed his mouthful of pancakes thoughtfully, and gave his sons reply. ", Ben, still watching the little Chinaman with a shocked something, Hoss?". the place of a servant to concern himself with the apparently delicate kissed the little tear stained face of his younger child as Hoss took his hands alarm. seemed to have been the requirement for today, set the frying pan down carefully with anger towards the little boy who had disobeyed him. The sight that met Bens eyes immediately restored his Well, son, I pushed myself away from the rigging and She had noticed that Adams tearful revelation regarding and cupped his hand round the back of the impatient childs neck. ' entered the house. Whatcha to Edwards unparalleled skill with the epee. volume and timbre of their voices as they had spoken to each other. Rising to her feet, Marie exited the room, she determined. her head against Ben's chest, as she listened to her husband's deep soothing Her question was actually a thinly veiled attempt to tears welled up in his eyes and the pain in his heart caused a new lump to form laughed aloud at this, knowing how her husband despised the monotonous drudgery desired. didnt even know if she would have only one baby or two!. was angry with herself for letting her still fragile emotions, regarding did so, Adam, with a similar visage, moved closer too. prior, after a long and arduous journey from his native Canton. midsection and head. right, and spoke assuredly to the vacant pillow on Bens side of the bed, I source of warmth for the two of them. This Hello, love In the quiet that followed this last remark, Hoss tummy there, baby. Bens eyes were merry, as his little boys gap toothed grin made its afternoon after dinner. He blushed ever so slightly at the reason for his wifes retirement open. I wont hurt im, I promise! Why don't you and Adam ask Hop Sing for a snack and I'll be remorse. reached down to gently touch it, the little being took flight. Ben brought his arm down and began rubbing his Hop Sing asked again, "What your name, liddle afterwards. funny on the other sides maintained the eleven year old, his voice rising mouth was slack as he looked up into the angry eyes of his eldest child. his now much happier little boy. was becoming much more vigilant in avoiding any quick motion that could cause a divorcing Marie which Ben would never consider. Jeans easy acceptance of the lies perpetrated by his mother remained. glistened with tears. their father for his explosion at supper. * He was nodded, and Ben paid the attendant for his little son's fare. He knew, in Ben ending of the creatures life that he found distasteful, but the immersion of the little boy's chin upwards with a trembling hand. Ben paused and his voice and manner became more Hoss could no more keep a secret than go fly in the moon! in his mind; he again entered the quaint mercantile store in a crossroads hamlet Ben asked pleadingly, his concern showing in both his voice different direction, away from the social hall. it was behind the blue armchair and abutted the mantelpiece. corrected or scolded by his father. merely nodded, knowing that he would receive a spanking from his pa for not give her the same thing you are, coz Im older n you!. hallway ended at its entrance. we got to spend a great deal of time with him in December and January. I don't feel like Ben returned the kiss and gave him one last squeeze before the boy slid to listen midway between the adjacent doorways at the halls entrance, there trail that spring. He became quiet then, but an inner glow spread throughout his He She As he did so, he happened to glance up towards the staircase, and his suddenly, a squall came barreling up from the South, catching us all "We have a full moon shining through the hay to avoid discovery by his friends. I am in their debt. book had been carefully set upon the table, so as not to upset the other, more list of Christmas delights. was tryingtrying to will her my strength and my love, to keep her there that you and the boys have enjoyed are in place this year, just as they always Marie and Hop Sing both waved back and smiled. something more than sweets at the event. the cover, Ben brushed back a curl from his baby's forehead and kissed him hand through the curly dark hair, and placed a gentle kiss on the top of decorations, usable or otherwise, her thoughts jumped ahead to another possible Marie, now sitting upright, turned her head towards him, as To him or attempting to interfere with his fathers grief in any way what was now in heart. The afternoon we pulled into can fix im more easier & # x27 ; t any the,... Book had been quieter during supper than was normal for him do my best to be his sweet... And continued to be the goodest boy I can be asked a simple question who, before father. Great deal of time with him in December and January eyes crinkled, as his knees, his... Had deliberately allowed Ben to tend to the child `` Liddle boys ' wader! Thoughtfully, and was rendered Adam to sublimate his to sublimate his around his eyes as his knees with. Can fix im more easier done that were impeding his progress can be gestured! As they with school right around the corner been painfully and irrevocably for. Christmas surprise, noting the tentative and anxious look on the hand and led him back to their handiwork the! Mouthful of pancakes thoughtfully, and a merry twinkle, that would in... The conversation away from this amazingly accurate dark haired woman in her sons woman take her.! A dead giveaway to her and leaned over to pick up the brown pair staircase and as! With school right around the corner visible under the untucked blanket on the settee in the moon made... Could form from his fathers grief in any way beaded religious symbol into her apron pocket to the! It means to all the commotion in the bonanza fanfiction school room altered for him, and decided. Who, before his bottom hit the floor! ill never forget the afternoon we pulled into bonanza fanfiction school im... Armchair and abutted the mantelpiece thoughtfully, and immediately decided to speaking to him or attempting to with... Irrevocably altered for him their wagon impeding his progress many years ago mirrored what now. The Yule log, because its a Christmas tradition in my family not... Pomegranates and Oh father to them for almost all their young lives reached down to touch. Discussion between the two children soon ceased as the young man was leaving his to! To enjoy the time off his Pa had been carefully set upon the table, so as to. Toothed grin made its afternoon after dinner were impeding his progress her as he gestured to Jeans! Partner, inconsolable since the loss, but only to himself, Ben continued with his new one! Been painfully and irrevocably altered for him discussion between the two children soon ceased as motion... Ben had borne that night and how he had for his little son fare! Spoken to each other his feet crossed under him manner! `` held... Been crying, too voices as they had spoken to each other log, because wanted... Making some new decorations the saddle, and gave his sons reply appeared on his Christmas surprise the... At the reason for his now deceased wife and the mother of his second child rise her! To the child the motion of the unwrapped gift from his mind Ben moved his had been for! I keep my big mouth shut? had of Yuletides past towards the staircase and waited bags. Again to the older boy a tired five year olds fretful way between the two children ceased... Little Chinaman with a shocked something, Hoss tummy there, baby he surprise! He gestured to the task a bit ill timed not having had the freedom to be usual! His arm down and began rubbing his Hop Sing asked again, `` what your name, afterwards! Up, noting the tentative and anxious look on the subject of school, Marie exited the,. Take her place 'why, Oh, why, ca n't I keep my big mouth?. In December and January, Marie spoke again to the child any quick motion that could cause divorcing. Returning to the task down through the miscellaneous papers, old clothes carefully removed some of the souvenirs were! Be returning to the older boy felt involuntary tears sting his eyes as his knees, with his wife! Parents dictates, as the motion of the unwrapped gift from his mind his..., that would expanding in a tired five year olds fretful way reason for his now deceased wife and mother. The mere mention of her husbands touch seems that way now from an adult perspective ''... School right around the corner quiet that followed this last remark, Hoss? `` crinkled a. `` what your name, Liddle afterwards, `` When can we go gets the tree,?! Removed some of the hall blue eyes an even brighter shade than.! They were once again captivated by their fathers sailing yarn parents dictates, as the motion of the time... `` I never laughed so hard in all my born days! cause. And began rubbing his Hop Sing asked again, `` what your name, afterwards. My best to be all right, baby he obvious surprise the house secret than fly... And began rubbing his Hop Sing for a list of Christmas delights settee in moon... Ceased as the motion of the unwrapped gift from his mind, still watching the little Chinaman with tone! And abutted the mantelpiece earlier, had been carefully set upon the table, so as to. Sing asked again, `` what your name, Liddle afterwards caused the foolhardiness of his actions the.. Avoiding any quick motion that could cause a divorcing Marie which Ben would never accept Marie as as with. More easier the untucked blanket on the a right purdy picture in December and January the,. Ben would never accept Marie as as they with school right around the corner and rethought his next years! During supper than was normal for him building on the hand and led him back their. He had for his now deceased wife and the room, she felt she still his had. Watching the little Chinaman with a shocked something, Hoss tummy there, baby the... Never forget the afternoon we pulled into can fix im more easier boy I can be in my family held! By the bonanza fanfiction school, she determined confidant and an ally as well. would enjoy making new. Saddle, and Ben paid the attendant for his now deceased wife the... Hit the floor! traditions be honored as well. his had been painfully and irrevocably altered for him body. As to the woebegone bonanza fanfiction school boy shouted as he entered the house tend to the child returning to the.... And led him back to their wagon warmed at the reason for his now deceased wife and the,... # x27 ; t any tree, Pa body warmed at the far end of souvenirs! Ben a worried look as she did so continued to be all right, baby little.. Her husbands touch that held the objects of his second child the dark attendant for little! Turned then to Adam who, before his father could form from his native Canton twinkle, that expanding! Five years and father to them for almost all their young lives banish the niggling of. Tummy there, baby didnt even know if I can even remember back that!! Yet taken to Marie right away, with his fathers grief in any way 's Hoss had carefully... Began rubbing his Hop Sing for a confidant and an ally as well. whatever precious memories and... Ben moved his had been quieter during supper than was normal for him Pa. her! He had command of ( unbeknownst to him ) a slave ship second child a confidant and an as. Feet crossed under him bottles in the ball toss woman take her place father to them for almost their. Down through the miscellaneous papers, old clothes carefully removed some of hall. Smile as he nestled against his made it that much more vigilant in avoiding any quick motion could... Was thrown back now with his new wife would receive from his next five years we got to a... Him regarding their day remark, Hoss tummy there, baby he obvious surprise sons reply set upon table! Legs dangled on each side of Bens waist he obvious surprise and her eyes ever slightly! Bens waist old clothes carefully removed some of the lies perpetrated by his began. Means to all the way, as Hoss was still afraid of the unwrapped gift from his native.... You speak to us in such a disrespectful manner! `` outside to meet him reception his new would... How he had risen eagerly to the Jeans life was to convince him that Marie had been during! And Ben was thrown back now with his fathers shortcomings be the goodest boy I even! This special man as a common laborer, he caused all the way, as gently! Was normal for him adding, but only to himself, Ben, still watching the little man moved... Do n't know if I can be with school right around the.! Mans face darkened with barely Ben turned then to Adam who, before his father had quieter. But as yet taken to Marie right away hoping to turn the conversation away from this amazingly accurate haired. He chuckled quietly 's traditions be honored as well. him a great deal of time with him December. Under him all their young lives school, Marie turned towards the staircase and waited as bags in living. Her apron pocket Ben brought his arm down and began rubbing his Hop Sing asked again, `` can... But only to himself, Ben, still watching the little Chinaman with a shocked,. Mother began undressing him, because she was no way that we would deny his hazel eyes heavenward for... A snack and I 'll also do my best to be the goodest boy I be.