She told her aunt all about it when she got home. Mrs. Keith told her she must not speak to gentlemen whom she hardly knew when they were riding.
"It makes them think you're a most forward little girl," she said.
"I was so full of Tom, I didn't stop to think," said Harebell; "and he's made me the most beautiful rocking-chair, Aunt Diana, and he's going to bring it round to-night. You'll let me take it, won't you? And may I tell him the Squire wants to see him to-morrow?"
Permission was given. When Tom arrived, he looked quite confused when Harebell gave him the message.
"Upon my word, missy, you don't let the grass grow under your feet! Why, you be just wonderful with your tongue."
"And you'll tell me if you get the cottage, Tom? You'll tell me directly it's settled."
"There be not much chance of that, missy. The Squire have knowed me in the old days."
However, Tom had his interview with the Squire, and was taken on trial for a month, to his unbounded pride and delight. Harebell went straight off to see Fanny Crake when she heard of it.
Unfortunately, Fanny was away from home. But Harebell was not easily daunted. She came home and procured a piece of paper. In large copper-plate writing she wrote on it:
"Please Fanny, Tom Triggs may have the Squire's cottage. Get ready for his wife. From Harebell."