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Page:A Garland for Girls (1893).djvu/127

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WATER-LILIES.
101

the basket with a patronizing air, intended to impress this rather too independent young person with a proper sense of her inferiority.

Ruth quietly shook the money out upon the door-mat, and said with a sudden sparkle in her black eyes,—

"It's doubtful if I bring any more. Better wait till I do."

"I'm sorry your grandfather is sick. I'll come over and see him by-and-by, and bring the papers if he would like some," said the elderly gentleman as he came up with a friendly nod and real interest in his face.

"Very much, thank you, sir. He is very feeble now;" and Ruth turned with a bright smile to welcome kind Mr. Wallace, who had not forgotten the old man.

"Christie has got a nice little temper of her own, and don't know how to treat a fellow when he wants to do her a favor," growled Mr. Fred, pocketing his dollar with a disgusted air.

"She appears to know how to treat a gentleman when he offers one," answered Blue Jacket, with a twinkle of the eye as if he enjoyed the other's discomfiture.

"Girls of that class always put on airs if they are the least bit pretty,—so absurd!" said Miss Ellery, pulling up her long gloves as she glanced at the brown arms of the fisher maiden.

"Girls of any class like to be treated with respect. Modesty in linsey-woolsey is as sweet as in muslin,