Under the lilacs

72 UNDER THE LILACS."I know I shall like it till father comes, an} r way.Squire wrote to Smithers right off, but hasn't got anyanswer yet. I know they are on the go now, so maybe we won't hear for ever so long," answered Ben,feeling less impatientto be off than before this fineproposal was made to him." I dare say ; meantime, we will see how we get ontogether, and perhaps your father will be willing to leaveyou for the summer if he is away. Now show methe baker's, the candj'-shop, and the post-office," saidMiss Celia, as they rattled down the main streetof thevillage.Ben made himself useful ;and when all the othererrands were done, received his reward in the shape ofa new pair of shoes and a straw hat with a streamingblue ribbon, on the ends of which shone silvery anchors.He was also allowed to drive home, while his new mistressread her letters. One particularly long one, with a queerstamp on the envelope, she read twice, never speakinga word tillthey got back. Then Ben was sent off withLita and the Squire's letters, promising to get his choresdone in time for tea.