CHAPTER XXII.
“There’s Blanche now!” exclaimed Dorothy at the breakfast table the next morning, as she filled her uncle’s coffee cup for the second time. “Ah, Blanche,” as the door opened and the young girl walked in, “you are good in obeying orders, and I’m glad to see you.”
“As we all are,” said her uncle. “Come, take a seat here by my side and have a cup of coffee.”
“Thank you, sir, I have been to breakfast,” she said, taking the indicated seat and exchanging a morning salutation with her Cousins George and William. “And oh, uncle, I want to thank you for the lovely lace you have given me, and the beautiful dress. I know it’s beautiful, though I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it yet.”
“Well, you shall have that pleasure presently, when we are all done with breakfast,” he said. “I am glad you like my gift, but I expect some return for it.”
“And I will be delighted to give anything in my power,” she replied, smiling up into his eyes. “Please tell me in what coin you will take your pay.”
“The same that Johnnie, who stayed so long at the fair, wanted to have for the fair ring he promised to bring his lady-love.”
“And will you buy me a bunch of blue ribbon to tie up my bonny brown hair?” she asked with a merry look and smile.
“Not brown, Blanche, darling, it’s pure gold,” laughed her Cousin William.
“And gold and blue look quite as pretty together as blue and brown,” remarked Dorothy.