Maggie was conscientious in trying to find out
the identical glass; but I am afraid Nancy was not quite so truthful in
avouching that one of the six, exactly similar, which were now placed on
the tray, was the same she had found on the dresser, when she came back
from telling her mistress of Mr. Buxton's arrival.
Maggie carried in the water, with a shy pride in the clearness of the
glass. Her mother was sitting on the edge of her chair, speaking in
unusually fine language, and with a higher pitched voice than common.
Edward, in all his Sunday glory, was standing by Mr. Buxton, looking happy
and conscious. But when Maggie came in, Mr. Buxton made room for her
between Edward and himself, and, while she went on talking, lifted her on
to his knee. She sat there as on a pinnacle of honor; but as she durst not
nestle up to him, a chair would have been the more comfortable seat.
"As founder's line, I have a right of presentation; and for my dear old
friend's sake" (here Mrs. Browne wiped her eyes), "I am truly glad of it;
my young friend will have a little form of examination to go through; and
then we shall see him carrying every prize before him, I have no doubt.
Thank you, just a little of your sparkling cowslip wine. Ah! this
gingerbread is like the gingerbread I had when I was a boy. My little lady
here must learn the receipt, and make me some. Will she?"
"Speak to Mr.
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