title: Swamp Gossip - Whispers from Underneath the Mayhaw Tree: Ten Reasons to Elope
author:  Jody Lane 
description: This book is very southern and about ladies who sip tea with both eyes open and sleep with one eye open.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## 6
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  She talked as the sky darkened further, letting the girls play on as she
  recounted nightmares and weeping spells, the terrors of orphanhood. At five-
  thirty Bonnie came out and switched on floodlights that turned the yard
  sallow. It stilled her mother's voice, and Evelyn stood and told the girls,
  "Go in the house, you."
  
  
  
  
  
  Right after they did, a man came out, rubbing his hands together and sniffing
  the air. Five three or so, in his late fifties or early sixties, low waisted,
  dark skinned and weak chinned, with long, tattooed arms. Bowlegs gave him a
  tottering walk. His eyes were shadowed by thick, gray thatches, and a
  drooping, iron-colored Zapata mustache obscured his mouth. His bushy gray hair
  was slicked straight back. He wore a khaki workshirt and blue jeans with hand-
  rolled cuffs. His hands were caked with plaster and he rubbed them more
  vigorously as he approached.
  
  
  
  
  
  Evelyn saluted him.
  
  
  
  
  
  He returned the gesture and looked at me, stretching to stan