"I don't know," said Ellen "I am not there just now, you know; I am staying up with Miss Alice again."
"Oh, ay! while her brother's at home. He's a splendid man, that young Mr. Humphreys, ain't he?"
"Oh, I knew that a great while ago," said Ellen, the bright colour of pleasure overspreading her face.
"Well, I didn't, you see, till the other day, when he came here, very kindly, to see how I was getting on. I wish something would bring him again. I never heerd a man talk I liked to hear so much."
Ellen secretly resolved something should bring him; and went on with a purpose she had had for some time in her mind.
"Wouldn't it be pleasant, while you are lying there and can do nothing wouldn't you like to have me read something to you, Mr. Van Brunt? I should like to, very much."
"It's just like you," said he, gratefully "to think of that; but I wouldn't have you be bothered with it."
"It wouldn't, indeed. I should like it very much."
"Well, if you've a mind," said he "I can't say but it would be a kind o' comfort to keep that grain out o' my head a while. Seems to me I have cut and housed it all three times over already. Read just whatever you have a mind to. If you was to go over a last year's almanac it would be as good as a fiddle to me."
"I'll do better for you than that, Mr. Van Brunt," said Ellen, laughing in high glee at having gained her point. She had secretly brought her Pilgrim's Progress with her, and now with marvellous satisfaction drew it forth.