"Yes, Miss Annie; and I have brought you a copy of the book I have been selling; I thought you would like to read it. It is a splendid work, and will be the book of the season."
"I shall be delighted to read it," replied Annie, taking the proffered volume. "It looks real good," she continued, as she turned over the leaves.
"It is first rate; I have read it through."
"It was very kind of you to think of me when you have so much business on your mind," added she, with a roguish smile.
"I shall never have so much business on my mind that I cannot think of my friends," replied Bobby, so gallantly and so smartly that it astonished himself.
"I was just thinking what I should read next; I am so glad you have come."
"Never mind her, Bobby; all she wanted was the book," interposed Squire
Lee, laughing.
"Now, pa!"
"Then I shall bring her one very often."
"You are too bad, pa," said Annie, who, like most young ladies just entering their teens, resented any imputation upon the immaculateness of human love, or human friendship.