Sam was devoted to roses, and his little front garden was given up to their cultivation.
The back one was in his father's charge, and he grew cabbages.
"Father will be pleased to see you, missy, and so shall I," was Sam's quiet response.
"Then you must invite me properly, and ask me to-morrow, for Mona is going to take Miss Falkner out for a drive. And then we have tea with Annie. I hate my tea poured out by a schoolroom-maid!"
Jill's little nose was tilted scornfully in the air.
"Aye," said Sam smiling; "to-morrow will suit first-rate, missy. Father and me presents our duty, and will be pleased if you will favour us with your company to tea to-morrow at five o'clock."
This was the usual formula, and Jill clapped her hands in delight; then she said with becoming gravity—
"I shall be very pleased to come, Sam. Tell Mr. Stone I'll favour him."
Then she ran into the house, and told Jack and Bumps where she was going.