apprehensively through the kitchen, but paused on the doorstep to make some
overtures to Mrs. Wiggins. If that austere dame was not to be propitiated, a
line of retreat was open to the barn. "Say," she began, to attract attention.

"Vell, young-un," replied Mrs. Wiggins, rendered more pacific by her
breakfast.

"Don't you want me to wash up the dishes and put 'em away? I know how."

"Hi'll try ye. Hif ye breaks hanythink--" and the old woman nodded volumes at
the child.

"I'll be back in a minute," said Jane. A moment later she met Holcroft
carrying two pails of milk from the barnyard. He was about to pass without
noticing her, but she again secured attention by her usual preface, "Say,"
when she had a somewhat extended communication to make.

"Come to the dairy room, Jane, and say your say there," said Holcroft not
unkindly.

"She aint goin' to Cousin Lemuel's," said the girl, from the door.

"What is she going to do."

"Rock in the parlor. Say, can't I help Mrs. Wiggins wash up the dishes and do
the work?"

"Certainly, why not?"

"Mother says I must sit in the parlor 'n' learn Commandments 'n' keep Sunday."