The next time, therefore, that Mrs. Meridith called, and made the same proposal, it was readily agreed to, and little Anna was called in from her play with the boys, and the great mastiff dog who was letting them all ride upon his back. On being asked if she would like to live with Mrs. Meridith? she replied, "if William and John go too." John was but a few months older than herself, and William nearly seven years old.
"They shall come and see you every day," said Mrs. Meridith.
"And father and mother going too?" asked the artless child, "and old Molly, and Growler," which was the name of the dog.
Mr. Campbell smiled and said, "she is encroaching on your goodness already, Madam, and would bring all my family with her."
"They shall come and see us very often," replied Mrs. Meredith, anxious to see the child accede to her proposal without regret, "but you shall be my little girl."
"And mother's too?" returned the child, looking towards Mrs. Campbell, whom she had always considered her parent.
"Yes, my dear," replied Mrs. Meridith, "but won't you call me mother?"
"You are good Mrs. Meridith," lisped the child; "and I do love you dearly, but I am my mother's own little girl."
"So then you won't be my little girl also?" said Mrs. Meridith, "nor won't come and live with me, and Bella, and Syphax!" the name of the black man and woman, of whom Anna was very fond.
"Yes, I will, I will, and walk in the garden, and play on the green," her little eyes sparkling with pleasure, "and William and John play too; but then I sleep at home; and Molly put me to bed?"