“Course you could,” answered Billy, “if I helped you, especially. I would like some spending money myself. Suppose we go into partnership?”
“Oh, let’s!” cried Mary Frances. “How much better than trying to do such a thing alone! And I wouldn’t want you to help me unless we divided the profits.”
“And I wouldn’t want to help you on any other basis,” agreed Billy.
“But,” exclaimed Mary Frances suddenly, “what about your own garden? You’ll not need any partnership with me. You yourself will raise all you can sell.”
“Have you noticed what I have growing there, Mary Frances?”
“Billy,” said the little girl shamefacedly, “I haven’t. I haven’t noticed at all. How selfish I am!”
“Well,” laughed Billy, “I don’t mind at all, so you needn’t feel bad, but I’ll tell you. Chiefly rhubarb and asparagus; and they are both plants which need two years, or three, before they may be disturbed, so you see why I’m so generous with my offer.”
“I understand now, Billy,” smiled Mary Frances. “My, won’t you be rich when the rhubarb and asparagus are ready to sell!”
“I do expect to make some money,” said Billy. “Father said he would pay me something for what is used by the family. It cost quite a sum to buy the little plants I set out—all I spent of the prize money was for them.”
“Well, I certainly am glad you will help me, Billy,” said Mary Frances, falling to work.