"Yes, Yes, Mr. Veronica! Mr. Veronica! that sounds well," cried Dietrich,
and he laughed aloud at the idea.

Veronica thought it no laughing matter, however. She pressed Gertrude's
hand firmly and looked up with glowing eyes, as she said, "I can be one
too, can't I mother; say?"

"You should not laugh, Dietrich," said his mother kindly. "Veronica can be
exactly what you can be. If she works steadily, and does not grow tired
and careless, but keeps on till her work is finished and well finished,
she will be a lady as you will be a gentleman."

Veronica trotted along contentedly after this explanation. She did not
speak again. The frowning brows were smoothed and the fiery eyes now shone
with the light of childish joy as she caught sight of the first flowers
that began to peep above the ground. The child's face looked fairly
charming now; her well-formed features framed by the dark locks, made a
beautiful picture.

Dietrich was also silent: but he was pursuing the same train of thought,
for he broke out presently,

"Will she have a horse too?"

"Why not, as well as you. It all depends on how steadily and how
faithfully you both work," replied Gertrude.

"Well, then, we shall have two horses," cried the boy, joyfully. "Where
shall we put the stable, mother?"