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"It don't work like that for me. I've tried to change in the past, and it just don't work. I ain't like you, and I never will be, so stop trying to make me over into something else."

"I don't think I'm asking for a lot," said Emma. "If you would be willing to try to change in one particular, we would have more peace in this cabin."

Josiah scowled. "What is it?"

"Please, try very hard to be kind to Mary. She hasn't had an easy life because of you, and this is her chance for a little happiness. I don't pretend I can be a better mother to her than Cora, but at least there's not a tribe here to torment her." Remembering the half-Indian before her, Emma sighed. "At least, not a whole tribe. One tormentor is enough to make any place a hardship."

Josiah eyed Emma warily. "What are you calling me?"

Emma sighed. "I'm trying very hard to love you, Josiah. Please, make this easier for me. If you won't do it because Mary is your daughter, then do it because you love me."

Josiah was thoughtfully silent. "I reckon I'll give it a try... fer your sake."

"You will?" Emma was uncertain.

"I said I would, didn't I? Just don't go expecting too much, or you'll only be angry at me again."

Wistfully, Emma touched his hand. "I wish you were doing this because it was the right thing to do, and not just because you're trying to make me happy."

"I told you I was sorry about making that face to the little girl."

"Josiah, you and I both know we've been looking forward to this night, and the only reason you're trying to appease me is so we can frolic."

"You really don't believe me, do you?" asked Josiah.

"Do you believe it, yourself?"

Josiah hesitated before answering. "I don't know, but to prove that I mean it right now, I won't touch you all night and I won't even expect you to nestle with me."

Emma was ready to end the discussion, for she felt Josiah was somehow trying to manipulate her to get his own way. "Since we're not going to be together tonight, I'll fix Mary's doll, and then I'm going to sleep."

Grumbling, Josiah sprawled out on the buffalo robe. "You ain't even going to let me feel good about being sorry," he said reproachfully.

It was no use, every word sounded insincere to Emma's ears, and she didn't want him to say anything further. Picking up the broken doll, Emma tried to mend the break that Cora had once repaired.

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