"
Ida looked up eagerly into her face.
"I am going to keep you with me a year. I want the services of a
little girl for that time. If you serve me faithfully, I will then
send you back to your friends in New York."
"Will you?" said Ida, hopefully.
"Yes. But you must mind and do what I tell you."
"O yes," said the child, joyfully.
This was so much better than she had been led to fear, that the
prospect of returning home, even after a year, gave her fresh
courage.
"What shall I do?" she asked, anxious to conciliate Peg.
"You may take the broom,--you will find it just behind the
door,--and sweep the room."
"Yes, Aunt Peg."
"And after that you may wash the dishes. Or, rather, you may wash
the dishes first."
"Yes, Aunt Peg."
"And after that I will find something for you to do."
The next morning Ida was asked if she would like to go out into the
street.
This was a welcome proposition, as the sun was shining brightly, and
there was little to please a child's fancy in Peg's shabby
apartment.
"I am going to let you do a little shopping," said Peg. "There are
various things that we want. Go and get your bonnet."
"It's in the closet," said Ida.
"O yes, where I put it. That was before I could trust you."
She went to the closet, and came back bringing the bonnet and shawl.
As soon as they were ready, they emerged into the street.
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