“Oh, it’s Maggie,” said Mrs. Howland. “She went out and bought all those cakes for you herself.”
“Bless me, now, did she?” said Martin. “She’s a smart girl—a ver-ry smart girl.”
“She’s a very clever girl, James.”
“Yes, that’s how I put it—very clever. She has a way about her.”
“She has, James. Every one thinks so.”
“Well, Little-sing, give me a good meal, and then we’ll talk.”
Mrs. Howland lifted the teapot and was preparing to pour out a cup of tea for Mr. Martin, when he looked at her, noticed her extreme elegance and grace, and made a spring toward her.
“You haven’t give Bo-peep one kiss yet, you naughty Little-sing.”
Mrs. Howland colored as she kissed him. Of course she liked him very much; but somehow Maggie had brought a new atmosphere into the house. Even Mrs. Howland felt it.
“Let’s eat, let’s eat,” said Martin. “I never deny myself the good things of life. That girl knows a thing or two. She’s a ver-ry clever girl.”