"This is luxury!" thought she, as she took her place in a comfortable rocking-chair before the fire. "But how am I to get at my work!"—Presently Lois came in, looking like a young rose.
"I beg pardon!" she said, greeting Mrs. Barclay, "but I left my duster—"
Has she been putting my room in order! thought the lady. This elegant creature? But she showed nothing of her feeling; only asked Lois if she were busy.
"No," said Lois, with a smile; "I have done. Do you want something of me?"
"Yes, in that case. Sit down, and let us get acquain'ted."
Lois sat down, duster in hand, and looked pleasantly ready.
"I am afraid I am giving you a great deal of trouble! If you get tired of me, you must just let me know. Will you?"
"There is no fear," Lois assured her. "We are very glad to have you. If only you do not get tired of our quiet. It is very quiet, after what you have been accustomed to."
"Just what I want! I have been longing for the country; and the air here is delicious. I cannot get enough of it. I keep sniffing up the salt smell. And you have made me so comfortable! How lovely those old elms are over the way! I could hardly get dressed, for looking at them. Do you draw?"
"I? O no!" cried Lois. "I have been to school, of course, but I have learned only common things. I do not know anything about drawing."