They announced to us the
approach of inexhaustible kindliness and good cheer. We took in a
home-feeling with the words "Aunt Betsey" then and always. She
had just the husband that belonged to her in my Uncle David, an
upright man, frank-faced, large-hearted, and spiritually minded.
He was my father's favorite brother, and to our branch of the
family "The Farms" meant "Uncle David and Aunt Betsey."
My brother John's plans for my entertainment did not always
harmonize entirely with my own ideas. He had an inventive mind,
and wanted me to share his boyish sports. But I did not like to
ride in a wheelbarrow, nor to walk on stilts, nor even to coast
down the hill on his sled and I always got a tumble, if I tried,
for I was rather a clumsy child; besides, I much preferred girls'
quieter games.
We were seldom permitted to play with any boys except our
brothers. I drew the inference that our boys must be a great deal
better than "the other boys." My brother John had some fine play-
fellows, but he seemed to consider me in the way when they were
his guests.
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