“If you like, Miss,” answered Johnson.
“I think I will, really, Johnson,” said Sibyl in that confiding way which fascinated all mankind, and made rough-headed Johnson her slave for ever.
“I might be caught, you know, if I went back to the house.”
“Oh, is that it?” answered Johnson.
“Yes, that’s it; they don’t understand. No one understands in the house how ’portant it is for me to go. I have to take the apples to Dan Scott. I promised, you know, and it would not be right to break my promise, would it, Johnson?”
Johnson scratched his head.
“I guess not!” he said.
“If I don’t take them, he’ll fret and fret,” said Sibyl; “and he’ll never trust me again; and the curse of God is on them that neglect the poor. Isn’t it so, Johnson? You understand, don’t you?”
“A bit, perhaps, Missy.”
“Well, I am very much obliged to you,” said the little girl. “Here’s two apples, real beauties, and here’s my new penny. Now, please lead pony out, and help me to mount him.”