"And what can be done by such a mite?" asked Rosamond.

"Tell the lady," said the Rector; "what work can you do?"

"Bird-starving."

"Well!"

"And stoon-picking, and cow-herding, and odd jobs up at Farmer
Light's; but they won't take I on for a carter-boy not yet 'cause I
bean't not so lusty as some on 'em."

"Have you learnt to read?"

"Oh yes, very nicely," interposed Miss Vivian.

"Did you teach him?" said Rosamond.

"No! He could read well before I came to the place. I have only
been at home six weeks, you know, and I did not know I was poaching
on your manor," she added sotto voce to Julius, who could not but
answer with warm thanks.

It was discovered that the rain had set in for the night, and an
amicable contest ensued between the ladies as to shawl and umbrella,
each declaring her dress unspoilable, till it ended in Eleonora
having the shawl, and both agreeing to share the umbrella as far as
the Sirenwood lodge.