heard Mr. Parker in the store one day inquiring for a boy to do
chores. So after consulting mother, I offered my services, and was
accepted. Won't we have real nice times going to school together, and
then I've brought a plaything for you. Are you afraid of dogs?"

So saying he gave a whistle, and a large Newfoundland dog came
bounding through the orchard. At first Mary drew back in alarm, for
the dog, though young, was unusually large; but her fears soon
vanished when she saw how affectionate he was, licking her own and
Alice's hands, and bounding playfully upon his master's shoulders.

"He is a nice fellow," said she, stroking his shaggy sides. What do
you call him?"

"Tasso," answered Billy; and then seeing Mr. Parker at a distance, and
wishing to speak to him, he walked away.

Three weeks from that time the winter school commenced; and Billy took
up his abode at the poor-house, greatly to the satisfaction of Sally
and Mary, and greatly to the annoyance of Miss Grundy, who, since
Patsy's death, was crosser and more fault-finding than ever.

"Smart idea!" said she, "to have that great lummux around to be waited
on!" and when she saw how happy his presence seemed to make Mary, she
vented her displeasure upon her in various ways, conjuring up all
sorts of reasons why she should stay out of school as often as
possible, and wondering "what the world was a coming to, when young
ones hardly out of the cradle begun to court! It wasn't so in her
younger days, goodness knew!"