She glanced up, and saw standing near her a handsome young man, who was holding a bunch of the ferns.
“I am looking for a place, sir,” said she.
“And what kind of a place do you wish?” asked he, with a sweet and winning smile.
“I am not particular,” answered she. “I can make myself generally useful.”
“Indeed!” said the stranger. “And do you think you could look after one little boy?”
“That I’d love to do!” said she, smiling.
“Then,” replied he, “I wish to hire you for a year and a day. My home is not far from here. Will you go with me, Cherry, and see it?”
Cherry stared in astonishment to hear him speak her name; and he added:—
“Oh! I see you thought that I did not know you! I watched you one day while you were dressing your hair beside one of my ponds; and I saw you pluck some of my sweetest-scented violets to put in those lovely tresses! But will you go with me, Cherry?”
“For a year and a day?” asked she.