their time, but she did not like to disappoint her darling, so she
only said, with a sigh,

"I hope you are right, Mary, for we both shall be glad to welcome our
dear ones home again."

But soon afterward the big bluff Squire came riding up, as was his
wont, to where Mary stood by her garden, and he at once asked,


"Pray tell me, dear, though much I fear
The answer sad I know,
How grow the sturdy cockle-shells
And cowslips, all in a row?"

And Mary looked up at him with her bright smile and answered,

"Dingle-bells and cockle-shells
And cowslips are all dead,
And now my papa's coming home,
For so he surely said."

"Ah," said the Squire, looking at her curiously, "I 'm afraid you are
getting way ahead of time. See here, Mary, how would you like a little
ride with me on my nag?"

"I would like it very much, sir," replied Mary.

"Then reach up your hand. Now!--there you are, little one!" and Mary
found herself seated safely in front of the Squire, who clasped her