"Are you sorry to leave them, Rosa?" he inquired.
"No; they ain't a bit pleasant," answered the little girl, decidedly.
"Were they strict with you?" asked Luke.
"Yes; they were always saying, 'Little girls should be seen and not heard!' They didn't want me to make a bit of noise, and wouldn't let me have any little girls in to play with me. Are there any little girls at your home?"
"No, but there are some living near by, and they will come to see you."
"That will be nice," said Rosa, with satisfaction.
Directions were left to have the little girl's trunk go to Groveton by express, and, therefore, Luke was encumbered only by a small satchel belonging to his new charge.
Of the details of the journey it is unnecessary to speak. The two young travelers arrived at Groveton, and, as it chanced, reached Luke's cottage without attracting much observation. The door was opened by the widow, whose kind manner at once won the favor of the child.
"I like you much better than Miss Graham," she said, with childish frankness.
"I am glad of that, my child," said Mrs. Larkin. "I will try to make this a pleasant home for you."