"Well, come on then," said Sally.
"Oh, Sally, but my heart is set on teaching school this summer; I do hope they'll come. Yes, I'll go with you to see Mr. Hodgkins. We'll walk. He has the best farm in the country but I tell you he's queer; nobody ever goes to see him. He lives in that large white house straight ahead."
"But, Cornelia Mary, the blinds are all closed. I don't believe he's at home."
"That's nothing, Sally, he lives alone in the back of his house. I told you he was queer."
"Where's his wife?"
"Dead, years ago."
"Glad to see you, come in," said Mr. Hodgkins, opening wide his kitchen door, at the girls' timid knock.
The man's eyes were so kind and he smiled so pleasantly Sally liked him.
"We've come on an important errand, Mr. Hodgkins," she began. "It's about Cornelia's school. Unless you will help us, Cornelia Mary can't teach school this summer."
"Indeed?" questioned Mr. Hodgkins. "I shall certainly be pleased to do all in my power to assist the young lady."