She found her father at the garden gate looking for her, and immediately began to tell him about the farmer and his dog and the little lamb, to all of which he listened with an amused smile. Then she spoke of her interview with Nellie and Bessie.
"I may go to the farm one day, may I not, father?" she asked coaxingly.
"We will see about it, my dear; I dare say you may. Perhaps the little girls may mention the matter to you; and if they do, I have not the least objection to your going. I hear the Maples are nice people, and much respected in the district, and I dare say the children will be good companions for you. The folks at Lowercoombe Farm are our nearest neighbours, and I should wish to be on good terms with them."
"Oh, yes, father! See what beautiful flowers I have gathered for your studio! Are not the violets sweet?"
"Very," Mr. Manners answered; "I think they are my favourite flowers, for they always remind me of your dear mother. It was Spring when she died, and some white violets that I gave her one day were the last flowers she noticed, I remember."
He sighed, and the shadow of a deep grief crossed his face as he mentioned his dead wife. Una gave his hand a little, sympathetic squeeze, and he looked down at her with a tender, loving smile as he whispered:
"Little comforter! You always understand!"
[CHAPTER III]
VISITORS AT LOWERCOOMBE FARM
"MARY, there's some one knocking at the door!"