“The old girls don’t like to part with Rosa,” he said, with a smile, as they emerged into the street.

“Are you sorry to leave them, Rosa?” he inquired.

“No; they ain’t a bit pleasant,” answered the little girl, decidedly.

“Were they strict with you?” asked Luke.

“Yes; they were always saying, ’Little girls should be seen and not heard!’ They didn’t want me to make a bit of noise, and wouldn’t let me have any little girls in to play with me.  Are there any little girls at your home?”

“No, but there are some living near by, and they will come to see you.”

“That will be nice,” said Rosa, with satisfaction.

Directions were left to have the little girl’s trunk go to Groveton by express, and, therefore, Luke was encumbered only by a small satchel belonging to his new charge.

Of the details of the journey it is unnecessary to speak.  The two young travelers arrived at Groveton, and, as it chanced, reached Luke’s cottage without attracting much observation.  The door was opened by the widow, whose kind manner at once won the favor of the child.

“I like you much better than Miss Graham,” she said, with childish frankness.

“I am glad of that, my child,” said Mrs. Larkin.  “I will try to make this a pleasant home for you.”

“I like Luke, too,” said Rosa.

“Really, Rosa, you make me blush,” said Luke.  “I am not used to hearing young ladies say they like me.”

“I think he is a good boy,” said Rosa, reflectively.  “Isn’t he, Mrs. Larkin?”

“I think so, my dear,” said the widow, smiling.

“Then I suppose I shall have to behave like one,” said Luke.  “Do you think I have improved in appearance, mother?”

“I noticed your new suit at once, Luke.”

“I have another in this bundle, mother; and that isn’t all.  Do you see this watch?  I sha’n’t mourn the loss of the Waterbury any longer.”

“Mr. Reed is certainly proving a kind friend, Luke.  We have much reason to be grateful.”

“He has also provided me with employment for a time, mother.”  And then Luke told his mother about the copying he had engaged to do.

It is hardy necessary to say that the heart of the widow was unfeignedly thankful for the favorable change in their fortunes, and she did not omit to give thanks to Providence for raising up so kind and serviceable a friend.

About the middle of the afternoon Luke made his appearance in the village street.  Though I hope my readers will not suspect him of being a dude, he certainly did enjoy the consciousness of being well dressed.  He hoped he should meet Randolph, anticipating the surprise and disappointment of the latter at the evidence of his prosperity.

When Luke was arrested, Randolph rejoiced as only a mean and spiteful boy would be capable of doing at the humiliation and anticipated disgrace of a boy whom he disliked.  He had indulged in more than one expression of triumph, and sought every opportunity of discussing the subject, to the disgust of all fair-minded persons.  Even Sam Noble protested, though a toady of Randolph.