When Mr. Brooks woke in the morning, Clematis was already up. She had washed her face and hands at the spring, near the door, and was sitting on the step.
“Oho, so the little bird woke first, did she?” said Mr. Brooks.
Clematis nodded, and looked up shyly.
“I was thinking about you last night before I went to sleep. Suppose I should keep you with me for a little while. Do you think you would like that?”
“Oh, I would help like anything,” she cried. “You just try me, and see.”
“Well, I will talk to Mr. Alder, and perhaps you can stay for a while, at least.”
So Mr. Brooks talked with Mr. Alder. Then he wrote to Mrs. Snow.
Yes, Clematis might stay a week.
How hard she tried!
“I’ll wash and wipe all the dishes,” she said.