THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND - CSIR

like that to travel in?"
In her eagerness to make a good impression Kit had selected this dress with care, but here in this plain room it seemed over
elegant. The three other women were all wearing some nondescript sort of coarse gray stuff. Judith laid the cloak thoughtfully
on a bench and reached to touch Kit's glove.
"What beautiful embroidery," she said admiringly.
"Do you like them? I’ll give you some just like them if you like. I have several pairs in my trunk."
Judith's eyes narrowed. Rachel Wood was setting out a pewter mug and spoon and a crude wooden plate.
"Sit here, Katherine, where the fire will warm your back. Tell us how you happened to come so far. Did your grandfather
come with you?"
"My grandfather died four months ago," Kit explained. "Why, you poor child! All alone there on that island! Who did come
with you, then?"
"I’ll came alone."
"Praise be!" her aunt marveled. "Well, you're here safe and sound. Have some corn bread, my dear. "twas baked fresh
yesterday, and there is new butter."
Surprisingly, the bread tasted delicious, though of a coarse texture like nothing she had ever tasted before. Kit lifted the
pewter mug thirstily, and abruptly set it down. "Is that water?" she asked politely.
"Of course, drawn fresh from the spring this morning."
Water For breakfast! But the corn bread was good, and she managed a second piece in spite of her longed now to swallow the
water. She lifted her- chin dry tongue and looked directly into those searching eyes.
Rachel Wood could not seem to look away from the young face across the table, and every few moments her eyes brimmed
over with tears.