Chapter XII

"Might I Have A Bit of Earth?"

Mary ran so fast that she was rather out of
breath when she reached her room. Her hair
was ruffled on her forehead and her cheeks were
bright pink. Her dinner was waiting on the table,
and Martha was waiting near it.

"Tha's a bit late," she said. "Where has tha'
been?"

"I've seen Dickon!" said Mary. "I've seen
Dickon!"

"I knew he'd come," said Martha exultantly.
"How does tha' like him?"

"I think -- I think he's beautiful!" said Mary
in a determined voice.

Martha looked rather taken aback but she
looked pleased, too.

"Well," she said, "he's th' best lad as ever was
born, but us never thought he was handsome. His
nose turns up too much."

"I like it to turn up," said Mary.

"An' his eyes is so round," said Martha, a
trifle doubtful. "Though they're a nice color."

[[140]]

p139 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p140w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p141

v?