Verty smiled cheerfully at this recollection of past enjoyment, and added, with his dreamy look--
"But I know what I like better even than hunting. I like to come and see you, and learn my lessons, and listen to your talking and singing, Redbud."
By this time they had reached the house, and they saw Miss Lavinia sitting at the window. Verty took off his white fur hat, and made the lady a low bow, and said--
"Thank you, Verty," said that lady, solemnly, "very well. What have you there?"
"Oh, the Squire said he wanted them," Verty replied.
"Hum," said Miss Lavinia, going on with her occupation of sewing.
Verty made no reply to this latter observation, but busied himself fixing up the antlers in the passage. Having arranged them to his satisfaction, he stated to Redbud that he thought the Squire would like them; and then preferred a request that she would get her Bible, and read some to him. To this, Redbud, with a pleasant look in her kind eyes, gave a delighted assent, and, running up stairs, soon returned, and both having seated themselves, began reading aloud to the boy.
Miss Lavinia watched this proceeding with an elderly smile; but Verty's presence in some way did not seem agreeable to her,
"Yes," replied the boy, "and I would rather hear it than any other book. I'm coming down every day to make you read for me."
"So I can, but I like to _hear_ it," said Verty; "so I am coming."
Redbud shook her head with a sorrowful expression.
"I don't think I can," she said. "I'm so sorry!"
"Not read the Bible to me?" Verty said, smiling.
"Going away!--you going away? Oh no! Redbud, you mus'nt; for you know I can't possibly get along without you, because I like you so much."
"Hum!" said Miss Lavinia, who seemed to be growing more and more dissatisfied with the interview.
"I must go, though," Redbud said, sorrowfully, "I can't stay."
"Go where?" asked the boy. "I'll follow you. Where are you going?"
"Stop, Verty!" here interposed Miss Lavinia, with dignity. "It is not a matter of importance where Redbud is going--and you must not follow her, as you promise. You must not ask her where she is going."
Verty gazed at Miss Lavinia with profound astonishment, and was about to reply, when a voice was heard at the door, and all turned round.