[CHAPTER III.]
THE NEW BONNET.
"He that loveth pleasure, shall be a poor man."
"MAMMA," asked Ella Haven, after breakfast the next morning, "will you please let me work. I want to help Bridget make the beds, or do something."
"Nonsense, child! play with your baby-house, and make the beds in that if you please." Turning to her husband, she asked, with a laugh, "What idea do you suppose the child has now?"
"Do please let me, mamma! The boy down stairs told me his sister worked, and that the Bible says we all must work. So I do want to."
"That is good preaching," remarked Mr. Haven. "Who is the boy, Ella?"
The child told all she knew of her young friend, and that he would not talk to her until she had obtained her mother's permission. "I've seen him about here, and sent him errands more than once," said the gentleman. "He is a sturdy little fellow, and will make something yet."
In the mean time, Harrison was at his place in the back-court, evidently anticipating with much pleasure another visit from his young friend. Nor was he disappointed. Just as he had comfortably arranged his baskets, a happy laugh announced her approach.
"How do you do this morning?" she asked, with the familiarity of an old acquaintance. Then, without waiting for an answer, she continued, "have you bought the bonnet yet?"