“I am truly sorry, but I am really not to blame for being your lady of the manor. It was a providential arrangement in which I was no more consulted than I was about being born. I hope you will forgive me for finding myself in such an obnoxious position, and be my friend,” said Gloria, with a good-humored sarcasm that seemed to win the impish creature before her. “I don’t know what I can do for you. I don’t know how to be anybody’s friend unless I can do something for them. I can do nothing for you but keep you in birds and hares and such. That is not much. They are so plenty in the forests below here,” said Phil, thoughtfully. “That is much more than I shall be able to do for you.” “I don’t want anybody to do anything for me, and what’s more, I won’t have it. I want to do all the doing myself.” “Oh, you proud little sinner! Well, there is something I want you to do for me right away. You know the path up to the house. Will you show it to me?” “Yes, I will go there with you, but not right away! I must feed Æneas and Dido first, auntie! I know Uncle Ralph slaughtered an ox last week and sent a lot of beef. I want a couple of pounds of sirloin for my dogs, and I am going to get it,” said the elfish being, throwing off her cap and hurrying out of the back door. “Now that’s the way, honey, she always does! She’s going to feed them dogs with the best meat in the house!” complained the old lady. “Well, the dogs have helped her to provide the finest game,” said Gloria. “Ah, I see, my dear, you are going to encourage that girl! I see it quite plain! Well, I wish you would take her altogether as a seamstress, or housekeeper, if it were possible she could be either, or in any way she could be useful or entertaining to you; for, indeed, I am anxious to get her away from this sort of a wild life that keeps me always in a fever!” “Perhaps I may take you at your word, Mrs. Brent, if Phil is agreeable; but what would you do without her?” “Oh, first-rate! I would take Marthy, Aleck’s youngest daughter! She’s older than Phil, and is a first-rate spinner and weaver and seamstress, and house-girl generally. I could do a deal better with Marthy than with this Witch-a-windy!” As the old lady spoke, Phil came in and said: “Well, I’ve given the beauties one full meal, if they never get another! And now I am ready to go with you to Gryphynshold, Mrs.—Mrs.—— Oh, look here now—bosh! You don’t look a bit more of a woman than I am myself, and if I am to be expected to call you Mrs. What’s-her-name, or Anything, our compact of friendship is going to fall through.” “You may call me anything you wish?” said Gloria. “Well, what is your other name?” demanded Phil. “Maria da Gloria de la Vera,” repeated the young lady, with a merry twinkle of her eyes. “Mar—ree—ar—dar—— Say it over again, please,” exclaimed Phil, stretching her blue eyes. “Maria da Gloria de la Vera,” repeated the young lady, repressing an inclination to laugh.