"Well, I will! I'll go this very day, on my way home."

"That's right, Verty," replied the young girl, smiling hopefully, "and
I think you will get cousin Lavinia to let you come. You know that I
want you to."

Verty smiled, then looking at his companion, said:

"What made you so cold to me when I came at first? I thought you had
forgotten me."

Redbud, conscious of her feelings, blushed and hesitated. Just as she
was about to stammer out some disconnected words, however, voices
were heard behind the shrubbery, which separated the arbor from a
neighboring walk, and this created a diversion.

Verty and Redbud could not help overhearing this conversation.




CHAPTER XIII.

VERTY EXPRESSES A DESIRE TO IMITATE MR. JINKS.


The voice which they heard first was that of Mr. Jinks; and that
gentleman was apparently engaged in the pleasant occupation of
complimenting a lady.