Samuel Simpson
was generally called Seesaw, because of his difficulty in making
up his mind. Whether it were a question of fact, of spelling, or
of date, of going swimming or fishing, of choosing a book in the
Sunday-school library or a stick of candy at the village store,
he had no sooner determined on one plan of action than his wish
fondly reverted to the opposite one. Seesaw was pale, flaxen
haired, blue eyed, round shouldered, and given to stammering when
nervous. Perhaps because of his very weakness, Rebecca's decision
of character had a fascination for him, and although she snubbed
him to the verge of madness, he could never keep his eyes away
from her. The force with which she tied her shoe when the lacing
came undone, the flirt over shoulder she gave her black braid
when she was excited or warm, her manner of studying,--book on
desk, arms folded, eyes fixed on the opposite wall,--all had an
abiding charm for Seesaw Simpson. When, having obtained
permission, she walked to the water pail in the corner and drank
from the dipper, unseen forces dragged Seesaw from his seat to go
and drink after her. It was not only that there was something
akin to association and intimacy in drinking next, but there was
the fearful joy of meeting her in transit and receiving a cold
and disdainful look from her wonderful eyes.
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