“It’s froze.” Caddy said, “Look.” She broke the top of the water and held a piece of it against my face. “Ice. That means how cold it is.” She helped me across and we went up the hill. “We cant even tell Mother and Father. You know what I think it is. I think it’s a surprise for Mother and Father and Mr. Patterson both, because Mr. Patterson sent you some candy. Do you remember when Mr. Patterson sent you some candy last summer.”
There was a fence. The vine was dry, and the wind rattled in it.
“Only I dont see why Uncle Maury didn’t send Versh.” Caddy said. “Versh wont tell.” Mrs. Patterson was looking out the window. “You wait here.” Caddy said. “Wait right here, now. I’ll be back in a minute. Give me the letter.” She took the letter out of my pocket. “Keep your hands in your pockets.” She climbed the fence with the letter in her hand and went through the brown, rattling flowers. Mrs. Patterson came to the door and opened it and stood there.
Mr. Patterson was chopping in the green flowers. He stopped chopping and looked at me. Mrs. Patterson came across the garden, running. When I saw her eyes I began to cry. You idiot, Mrs. Patterson said, I told him never to send you alone again. Give it to me. Quick. Mr. Patterson came fast, with the hoe. Mrs. Patterson leaned across the fence, reaching her hand. She was trying to climb the fence. Give it to me, she said, Give it to me. Mr. Patterson climbed the fence. He took the letter. Mrs. Patterson’s dress was caught on the fence. I saw her eyes again and I ran down the hill.
“They aint nothing over yonder but houses.” Luster said. “We going down to the branch.”
They were washing down at the branch. One of them was singing. I could smell the clothes flapping, and the smoke blowing across the branch.