Besides, having been used to hiding from
her own mother all unpleasant things, the girl naturally
displayed the same thoughtfulness for Aunt Kate.
For, despite Mrs. Henry Sherwood's bruskness and masculine
appearance, Nan learned that there were certain matters over
which her aunt showed extreme nervousness.
For instance, she was very careful of the lamps used in the house
she insisted upon cleaning and caring for them herself; she
would not allow a candle to be used, because it might be
overturned; and she saw to it herself that every fire, even the
one in Nan's bedroom, was properly banked before the family
retired at night.
Nan had always in mind what Uncle Henry said about mentioning
fire to Aunt Kate; so the curious young girl kept her lips closed
upon the subject. But she certainly was desirous of knowing
about that fire, so long ago, at Pale Lick, how it came about;
if Aunt Kate had really got her great scar there; and if it was
really true that two members of her uncle's family had met their
death in the conflagration.
She tried not to think at all of Injun Pete. That was too
terrible!
With all her heart, Nan wished she might do something that would
really help Uncle Henry solve his problem regarding the timber
rights on the Perkins Tract.
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