Willie’s Grandmother. 133

 

“I’m quite in earnest, grannie,” said Willie, who
did not know the meaning of the word as his new
mistress used it.

They all laughed.

“J don’t see what’s funny,” said Willie, laughing
too, however.

But when they explained to him what earnest
meant, then he laughed with understanding, as
well as with good will.

“So,” his grandmother went on, “I will give you
earnest, which, you know, binds you my servant.
But for how long, Willie?”

“Till you’re tired of me, grannie. Only, you
know, I’m papa and mamma’s servant first, and
you may have to arrange with them sometimes;
for what should I do if you were all to want me at
once?” ;

“We'll easily manage that. I’ll arrange with
them, as you say. And now, here’s your earnest.”

As she spoke, she put into his hand what Willie
took to be a shilling. But when he ances at it,
he found himself mistaken.

“ Thank you, grannie,” he said, trying not toshow .
himself a little disappointed, for he had had another
scheme in his head some days, and the shilling
would have been everything towards that.

“Do you know what grannie has given you,
Willie?” said his mother.

“ Yes, mother—such a pretty brass medal!”