“And why inspiration, my Scullery-maid?”

“I want to write verses, like you,” she said.

“We’ll make a good bargain, my Scullery-maid.”

“And what is the bargain, kind Poet?” she said.

“You teach me scouring, my Scullery-maid.”

“And then you can brighten my wits,” she said.

“That’s lovely, and you two girls sing beautifully together,” said Marjorie; “but you must have solos, too; you’re our best singers, and you can’t get off with one duet.”

“All right; I’ll write a solo for Jessie,” said Nan. “It can follow right after this duet, you know. It’s to the tune of ‘My Mother Dear.’ ”

SCULLERY-MAID’S SONG

Do you think I’m asking much of you, my Poet?