"Vesta, did you try the honey candy?"
"Yes, 'm! 'twas dretful good. My little brother, he like t'ha' died, he eat so much."
"Dear me!" exclaimed Hilda, rather alarmed at this result of her neat little plan of teaching the children something about cookery, without their finding out that they were being taught.
"But you must see to it, Vesta, that he doesn't eat too much. That is one of the things an elder sister is for, you know.
"Now, whose turn is it to sweep up the threads and scraps? Yours, Euleta? Well, see how careful you can be! not a thread must be left on Mrs. Lankton's clean floor, you know."
"He gave me a lunge in quart."
Soon all was in order, workbags put away, hats and bonnets tied on; and Hildegarde came out with her doves about her, all looking as if they had had a thoroughly good time. With many affectionate farewells to "Teacher," the children scattered in different directions, and Colonel Ferrers chirruped to the brown cob, which trotted briskly away over the smooth road. The Colonel was deeply interested in the sewing-school. Hester Aytoun had had one for the village children, and there had been none from her death until now. He asked many questions, which Hildegarde answered with right good will. They were dear children, she said. She was getting to know them very well, for she tried to see them in their homes once a fortnight, and found they liked to have her come, and looked forward to it. Some of them were very bright; not all, of course, but they all tried, and that was the great thing. Yes, she told them all the stories they wanted, and they wanted a great many.
"Speaking of stories," said the Colonel, "I find I have work laid out for the rest of my life."