XXV
SAN JUAN
Notwithstanding it was a hot day in the first week of July, Mrs. Spillkins had decided to have a "quilting-bee." Having made up her mind, after consulting with Miss Melissa and Miss Elvira, she lost no time in summoning Uncle Israel from the barn, and making known her plans. Uncle Israel mildly objected.
"Kinder hot fer er quiltin'-bee, ain't it, Hannah?"
"'T is pretty hot," Mrs. Spillkins admitted, wiping the perspiration from her face with her apron, "but we'll have it to-morrow 'long 'bout four. You get the frames and rollers out, Israel, from the back garret, an' then I want you to go up to Mis' Blossom's an ask 'em to come, an' get word to the other folks on the Mountain."
"I'll go, Hannah, but I dunno 'bout Mis' Blossom 'n' Rose comin' ter er quiltin'-bee jest 'bout this time. They're feelin pretty low 'bout Chi off thar in Cuby; news hez come thet ther's ben fightin'—"
"I know that, Israel; I've thought of that, too; but, mebbe, it'll do 'em good, just to change the scene a little. Anyway, you ask 'em."
"Jest ez ye say, Hannah."
The sun was setting when Uncle Israel made his appearance on the porch where the whole family was assembled
