what she was busy about. Then she sent her other little companion with some chesnuts to the children who were making spoon-brushes some way off; and as soon as he was gone, she looked at her basket and sighed; for she feared she should not be able to finish it. Just then she heard some one coming through the bushes, and looking up, she saw it was Mr. Arnall. He had his hands in his pockets, and anybody would have thought by his appearance that it was a holiday in the colony. “So you are eating chesnuts; my little girl,” said he. “Can you spare me some?” “Yes, sir,” answered Betsy, pointing to the little heap beside her. “Will you help yourself?” Arnall went on eating for some time in silence. “Where did you get these chesnuts?” he asked at length, when he had nearly made an end of them. “Yonder, under the trees there.” “They are very good. I dare say you will be my little maid, and get me some more: and here comes your brother; I will send him to roast them by the fire.” “You must do it yourself, if you please, sir. We are very busy.” “Indeed! What can children like you be busy about? Basket-making! Why, that basket will never stand.” “It is not meant to stand,” said Betsy, who began to wish her visitor would go away and leave her to her business. Arnall sat idly watching the little work-people, till seeing that greater strength of finger was what they wanted, he offered his services, which Betsy was very willing to accept. He became more interested as the affair went on, and continued his assistance till the framework was complete and the rim secure. “And now,” said Betsy, jumping up joyfully, “now I will get you some chesnuts and welcome. I can easily finish the rest, for the weaving part will soon be done; and I should never have got so far without you.” As soon as she was gone, Arnall took up the remainder of the twigs, and began another basket. He was really ashamed of doing nothing, and was glad to have found an employment which did not reduce him to toil with labourers or to provide his own dinner. He flattered himself that Betsy was saving his dignity by procuring his food; while she, in the innocence of her heart, thought he was working as much for her as she for him, and was grateful to him accordingly.