"Look here, my child," said Wade, "how old are you, anyway?"
"Fifteen in March, sir."
"Next March?"
"No, sir, last."
"You don't look it."
"No, sir, folks say I'm small for my age," agreed Zephania, cheerfully.
"I agree with them. Do you think you're strong enough to do the work here?"
"Oh, yes, sir. This is a very easy house to look after."
"Well," said Wade, hesitatingly, "you can have a try at it, but it seems to me you're too young to be doing housework."
"I've always done it," replied Zephania, beamingly. "What'll you have for breakfast, sir?"