Sons of the Soil
SONS OF THE SOIL BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley DEDICATION To Monsieur P. S. B. Gavault. Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote these words at the beginning of his
to be pricking bits of rubber to make balls." And Meg tried to
keep her countenance, Amy looked so grave and important.
"Why, you see, the girls are always buying them, and unless
you want to be thought mean, you must do it too. It's nothing
but limes now, for everyone is sucking them in their desks in
schooltime, and trading them off for pencils, bead rings, paper
dolls, or something else, at recess. If one girl likes another,
she gives her a lime. If she's mad with her, she eats one before
her face, and doesn't offer even a suck. They treat by turns,
and I've had ever so many but haven't returned them, and I ought
for they are debts of honor, you know."
"How much will pay them off and restore your credit?" asked
Meg, taking out her purse.
"A quarter would more than do it, and leave a few cents over
for a treat for you. Don't you like limes?"
"Not much. You may have my share. Here's the money. Make it
last as long as you can, for it isn't very plenty, you know."
"Oh, thank you! It must be so nice to have pocket money! I'll
have a grand feast, for I haven't tasted a lime this week. I felt
delicate about taking any, as I couldn't return them, and I'm
actually suffering for one."
SONS OF THE SOIL BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley DEDICATION To Monsieur P. S. B. Gavault. Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote these words at the beginning of his