She had been under the care of two
maiden ladies, the Misses Graham, who had no love for children,
and had merely accepted the charge on account of the liberal
terms paid them by the father. They seemed displeased at the
withdrawal of Rosa, and clearly signified this by their cold,
stiff reception of Mr. Reed and Luke.
"The old girls don't like to part with Rosa," he said, with a
smile, as they emerged into the street.
"Are you sorry to leave them, Rosa?" he inquired.
"No; they ain't a bit pleasant," answered the little girl, decidedly.
"Were they strict with you?" asked Luke.
"Yes; they were always saying, `Little girls should be seen
and not heard!' They didn't want me to make a bit of noise,
and wouldn't let me have any little girls in to play with me.
Are there any little girls at your home?"
"No, but there are some living near by, and they will come
to see you."
"That will be nice," said Rosa, with satisfaction.
Directions were left to have the little girl's trunk go to
Groveton by express, and, therefore, Luke was encumbered only
by a small satchel belonging to his new charge.
Of the details of the journey it is unnecessary to speak.
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