"
While we were eating Sunday dinner, Mama said, "Jodie, I know
it'll make you mad when I tell you what I've got to do this
evening. But I can't help it."
"What're you talking about? We've been married nearly
twenty-seven years, and I ain't got real mad at you yet, have I?"
"Well, it's this- Our Missionary Society voted to take turns
carrying foodstuff over to Ophelia and her young'uns. Today's my
turn!"
"You're aiming to take groceries to Ward Lawson's house? Good
Lord, Nannie!"
"It's our Christian duty!"
"Christian duty?" Papa had to grab his glass of water and
take a gulp to keep from choking on the biscuit he was eating.
"We can't let old Miss Dink and Ophelia and them nine
young'uns suffer! Vic took vittles to them Wednesday, and she
said they're on starvation-not a crumb in the kitchen! No bread,
no meat, just nothing."
Papa put down his knife and fork. "Nannie, it ain't my
Christian duty to feed the family of a sorry, no-'count sot who
nearly beat me to death, then burned down my store and kidnapped
my baby! And he ain't through yet! He'll poison our livestock
or-"
"But, Jodie! The poor little young'uns! They can't help it!
They-"
"All right! All right! I'll hitch up the buggy and take
you-this one time.
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