There was an awkward pause, and then the little girl said slowly:
"You won't let anybody give you anything, although you have no father nor mother. Now, why won't you?"
"Because, I can work for all I want, all—but—" the boy began, and then stopped.
"You have all but what?"
"A little schooling."
"Here's the answer, Rule! You are to run right away as fast as you can and take it to Mr. Ryland," said a servant, coming out upon the porch and handing a letter to the boy.
It was a week after this interview with the lad before Cora saw him again.
He was on the lawn in front of the house. She was at the window of the front drawing room. As soon as she espied him she ran out to speak to him, and eagerly begged that she might teach him to read.
The boy, surprised at the suddenness and the character of such an offer, blushed, thanked the little lady, and declined, then hesitated, reflected, and then, half reluctantly, half gratefully, consented.
Cora was delighted, and frankly expressed her joy.