"Run along, kids," Snedeker told them. "Your maw wants you."
"You too, Jim."
"Me? What would she want me for?"
"Come over and find out."
"I'll be doggone!" Snedeker exclaimed. "Fust time in thutty years a
white woman's wanted to see me! You sure?"
"I'm sure. Come on."
Barbara rose and Joe's eyes were drawn to her. He had always known that
his daughter was lovely. Now she seemed radiant, and she floated across
the rough wooden floor to her father. Barbara's voice was an angel's
breath.
"Look, Daddy!"
Around her neck she wore a golden chain, and on the chain was a ring set
with a red stone. Joe gazed with intense interest for never before had
he seen such a stone. It caught and trapped the lantern's light, and the
fire's glow, and captured within itself some of the crimson that warmed
Barbara's cheeks. The stone seemed alive and fiery, and though he knew
little about such things Joe knew that it was precious.
"What is it?" he asked.
"It's a ruby," Barbara told him. "Ellis gave it to me."
"It was my mother's," Ellis said eagerly.