"He had a dreadful sickness inside him that burned, and made him drink things.

That was why he would forget his little boys and girl.

If he had been well, he would have gotten you good things to eat, clean clothes, and had the most fun with you." Billy leaned against her and closed his eyes, and Elnora rocked hopefully.
"If I was dead would you cry ?" he was up again.
"Yes, I would," said Elnora, gripping him closer until Billy almost squealed with the embrace.
"Do you love me tight as that ?" he questioned blissfully.
"Yes, bushels and bushels," said Elnora.

"Better than any little boy in the whole world." Billy looked at Margaret.

"She don't!" he said.