Maria thinks that is silly , but you would n't if you 'd known her , Jordan . Even Maria herself would n't , if she had known her . It is fifteen years since she came here one summer to board . She was a child of thirteen then , and had n't any relations except an old uncle who sent her to school in winter and boarded her out in summer , and did n't care a rap about her . The child was just starving for love , Jordan , and she got it here . William and his brothers were just children then , and they had n't any sister . We all just worshipped her . She was so sweet , Jordan . And pretty , oh my ! like a little girl in a picture , with great long curls , all black and purply and fine as spun silk , and big dark eyes , and such pink cheeks -- real wild rose cheeks . And sing ! My land ! But could n't she sing ! Always singing , every hour of the day that voice was ringing round the old place . I used to hold my breath to hear it . She always said that she meant to be a famous singer some day , and I never doubted it a mite . It was born in her . Sunday evening she used to sing hymns for us . Oh , Jordan , it makes my old heart young again to remember it . A sweet child she was , my little Joscelyn !
She used to write me for three or four years after she went away , but I have n't heard a word from her XXXXX long and long .
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