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Rh cents, that being my shilling. I always want the odd half-cent, I do. Come, I can't wait, I have been expecting you long enough."'

'A very sagacious little imp,' laughed Mrs. Glendinning.

'Impertinent little rascal,' cried Pierre.

'And am I not now the silliest of all silly girls, to be telling you my adventures so very frankly,' smiled Lucy.

'No; but the most celestial of all innocents,' cried Pierre, in a rhapsody of delight. 'Frankly open is the flower, that hath nothing but purity to show.'

'Now, my dear little Lucy,' said Mrs. Glendinning, 'let Pierre take off your shawl, and come now and stay to tea with us. Pierre has put back the dinner so, the tea-hour will come now very soon.'

'Thank you; but I cannot stay this time. Look, I have forgotten my own errand; I brought these strawberries for you, Mrs. Glendinning, and for Pierre;—Pierre is so wonderfully fond of them.'

'I was audacious enough to think as much,' cried Pierre, 'for you and me, you see, mother; for you and me, you understand that, I hope.'

'Perfectly, my dear brother.'

Lucy blushed.

'How warm it is, Mrs. Glendinning.'

'Very warm, Lucy. So you won't stay to tea?'

'No, I must go now; just a little stroll; that's all; good-bye! Now don't be following me, Pierre. Mrs. Glendinning, will you keep Pierre back? I know you want him; you were talking over some private affair when I entered; you both looked so very confidential.'

'And you were not very far from right, Lucy,' said Mrs. Glendinning, making no sign to stay her departure.

'Yes, business of the highest importance,' said Pierre, fixing his eyes upon Lucy significantly.

At this moment, Lucy, just upon the point of her