She could seldom be prevailed upon to kiss even her uncles -- who knew it and liked to tease her for kisses until they aggravated her so terribly that she told them she could n't bear men . But now she promptly put her arms about this strange man 's neck and gave him a hearty smack . `` I like you , '' she said frankly . She felt his arms tighten suddenly about her . The blue eyes looking into hers grew misty and very tender . Then , all at once , Rachel knew who he was . He was her father . She did not say anything , but she laid her curly head down on his shoulder and felt a great happiness , as of one who had come into some longed-for haven . If David Spencer realized that she understood he said nothing . Instead , he began to tell her fascinating stories of far lands he had visited , and strange things he had seen . Rachel listened entranced , as if she were hearkening to a fairy tale . Yes , he was just as she had dreamed him . She had always been sure he could tell beautiful stories . `` Come up to the house and I 'll show you some pretty things , '' he said finally . Then followed a wonderful hour . The little low-ceilinged room , with its square window , into which he took her , was filled with the flotsam and jetsam of his roving life -- things beautiful and odd and strange beyond all telling . The things that pleased Rachel most were two huge shells on the chimney piece -- pale pink shells with big crimson and purple spots . `` Oh , I did n't know there could be such pretty things in the world , '' she exclaimed . `` If you would like , '' began the big man ; then he paused for a moment . `` I 'll show you something prettier still . ''
XXXXX felt vaguely that he meant to say something else when he began ; but she forgot to wonder what it was when she saw what he brought out of a little corner cupboard .
Rachel Spencer arms flotsam happiness hour house jetsam kisses things