"Oh, Lewis, you mean. I do think he is so very—I suppose I oughtn't to say so because he's my cousin—but he has altered so much, and thinks such a lot about his people now, I can't understand it."
"I always think he is one of Arthur's knights, and not a bit proud or stuck-up, though of course he might be, living as he does at Waycott Hall, which is so beautiful. I like to think of—the future."
Toney paused, she dared not go on as Maud wouldn't tell her straight out.
"Well, I am thinking of the present, Toney! You can't think how the idea of working has done me good. I told mother that Lewis had sold you the farm, and she is quite pleased at my helping you. I didn't tell her about your giving me a salary for it, as she has old-fashioned ideas, but you know we are poor, and I do want it."
"Of course I know." Toney said to herself, "She wants to save for her trousseau, and it's quite right of her to work for it."
"I do mean to be in earnest this time," continued Maud, "looking back I never seem to have done anything in downright real earnest as you have, not even my music—Jeanie was the cleverest, and I knew I could never be first-rate as she will be if she works."
"But now of course you will have a real reason for bucking up. Wanting to be a little like Pups helps me awfully."
"My father wasn't like yours, he somehow spent all our money."
"But you will want to be like your cousin," said Toney, making an effort, trying to rub this idea well into Maud. Of course she must become worthy to be the mistress of Waycott Hall!
"Yes, seeing Lewis so much in earnest is a real help. By the way, Toney, as I was walking here I met Mr. Lang, and I asked him why he hadn't been to tabulate lately!"