John looked round at her and laughed.
"If there's any thing you want me to do for you, out with it. It's no good beating about the bush. You know I always like to do for you what I can."
"Yes: you are very good to us," said Bessie; "but it was not us: it was Dolly. Don't you think it would be doing as you would be done by to go and take care of her to-night?"
"Whew! that's it, is it?" said John. "Maybe it would be; but that would be a good thing to see me taking care of Dolly Owen;" and John laughed loud and long.
Bessie was displeased, and drew herself up with a little dignified air.
"I don't think he is coaxed a bit," she whispered; "he is very hard-hearted."
"No," said Maggie: "I don't believe he is the kind to be coaxed."
"Then I'll have to be a little strict with him, and show him it's his duty," said Bessie, in the same tone.
"Yes, to let him see he ought to do it, whether he likes it or not," said Maggie; "maybe he's never been taught that."