"There ain't anythin' else's I can see," retorted Jem, turning down the corners of her mouth very far, and looking about disdainfully.
Flora laughed outright at this, but her visitor's countenance lost none of its solemnity.
"You do not seem to admire my yard, Jem."
"Don't see anythin' to remire," retorted Jem. "You'd just ought to peep in ours," and she moved over to the fence, and pulling away the board with a triumphant air, motioned Flora to look. Flora looked, but the first thing she saw was not the yard, but the young girl with whom she had been talking not an hour since.
CHAPTER III.
RUTH RUDD.
RUTH, standing by a long wooden bench, in the neat, brick-paved yard, was engaged in watering some plants that were her especial pride.
Hearing a noise at the fence, she turned, and recognizing Flora, smiled and asked:
"Won't you come in?"
"Thank you," replied Flora, smiling in return. "I think I will."