"Of course I am."
"Den yo' needn't fear, Miss Mary. Harvey's a big boy, and he'll take good care of her."
With this assurance, Mrs. Davenport gave her consent.
Beth put on her hat and hurried down the avenue to the river. On the end of the wharf sat Harvey, holding a fishing pole. He turned his head at her approach.
"Hello, Beth. I hardly expected you. I thought your mamma might be 'fraid to let you come."
She smiled. "Maggie said you were 'quality,' and would take care of me."
Harvey gave a grunt. "Don't know about quality, but as long as your mamma trusted me, she shan't repent. Take this line, and go to fishing."
He handed one to her and she dropped the end into the water. Harvey broke into a hearty laugh.
"You don't 'spect to catch fish without bait, do you?"
She answered meekly: "I s'pose not, but what is bait?"