"A most sweet and eloquent answer, Pierre; but sit down again. I desire now to say a little concerning less attractive, but quite necessary things connected with this affair. You know, that by your father's will, these lands and--" "Miss Lucy, my mistress;" said Dates, throwing open the door. Pierre sprang to his feet; but as if suddenly mindful of his mother's presence, composed himself again, though he still approached the door. Lucy entered, carrying a little basket of strawberries. "Why, how do you do, my dear," said Mrs. Glendinning affectionately. "This is an unexpected pleasure." "Yes; and I suppose that Pierre here is a little surprised too; seeing that he was to call upon me this evening, and not I upon him before sundown. But I took a sudden fancy for a solitary stroll,--the afternoon was such a delicious one; and chancing--it was only chancing--to pass through the Locust Lane leading hither, I met the strangest little fellow, with this basket in his hand.--'Yes, buy them, miss'--said he. 'And how do you know I want to buy them,' returned I, 'I don't want to buy them.'--'Yes you do, miss; they ought to be twenty-six cents, but I'll take thirteen cents, that being my shilling. I always want the odd half cent, I do. Come, I can't wait, I have been expecting you long enough.'" "A very sagacious little imp," laughed Mrs. Glendinning. "Impertinent little rascal," cried Pierre. "And am I not now the silliest of all silly girls, to be telling you my adventures so very frankly," smiled Lucy. "No; but the most celestial of all innocents," cried Pierre, in a rhapsody of delight. "Frankly open is the flower, that hath nothing but purity to show." "Now, my dear little Lucy," said Mrs. Glendinning, "let Pierre take off your shawl, and come now and stay to tea with us. Pierre has put back the dinner so, the tea-hour will come now very soon." "Thank you; but I can not stay this time. Look, I have forgotten my own errand; I brought these strawberries for you, Mrs. Glendinning, and for Pierre;--Pierre is so wonderfully fond of them." "I was audacious enough to think as much," cried Pierre, "for you _and_ me, you see, mother; for you _and_ me, you understand that, I hope." "Perfectly, my dear brother." Lucy blushed. "How warm it is, Mrs. Glendinning." "Very warm, Lucy. So you won't stay to tea?" "No, I must go now; just a little stroll, that's all; good-bye! Now don't be following me, Pierre. Mrs. Glendinning, will you keep Pierre back? I know you want him; you were talking over some private affair when I entered; you both looked so very confidential." "And you were not very far from right, Lucy," said Mrs. Glendinning, making no sign to stay her departure. "Yes, business of the highest importance," said Pierre, fixing his eyes upon Lucy significantly.