"
"Mamma Vi, I don't want pay for doing an errand for you," returned the boy
coloring; "it is a great pleasure, it would be even if papa had not told
me to wait on you and do all I could to fill his place."
"I don't mean it as pay, my dear boy," Violet answered, with a pleased
look, "but haven't I a right to make a little present now and then to the
children who call me mamma?"
Max's face brightened.
"Yes, ma'am, I suppose so," he said. "Thank you; I'll take it willingly
enough if it isn't pay, and I'm very proud to be trusted to buy something
for you."
Edward was helping Zoe into the saddle as Max came hurrying out.
"Take good care of her, Max," he said, "I'm trusting you and Tom there
with my chiefest treasure."
"I'll do my best," Max said, mounting his pony, which Tom the colored boy
was holding.
"Me, too, Marse Ed'ard, dere shan't nuffin hurt Miss Zoe," added the
latter, giving Max the bridle, then mounting a third horse and falling
behind the others as they cantered down the avenue.
A little beyond the gate the family carriage passed them, Mr. Dinsmore and
a strange gentleman inside.
"Company," remarked Zoe.
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