“She must have some clothes. She had on a boy’s jacket.”
“Yes, and cap. In fact she is more of a boy than a girl at present.”
“I am not sure but some of Mary’s old dresses may fit her. Mary must be a little larger than she is.”
“That reminds me I brought a doll for Fanny. She has not grown too large for dolls yet.”
“No, she is just the age to enjoy them. She will be delighted.”
“I think we may call in Tom now, and inform her of our intention.”
“She must have another name. It won’t do to call a girl Tom.”
“She said her name used to be Jenny, but she has been nicknamed Tom.”
The door was opened, and Captain Barnes called in Tom.
“We’ve been talking about you, Tom,” pursued the captain.
“What have you been sayin’?” asked Tom, suspiciously.
“I’ve been telling my sister that you had no home, and were obliged to earn your own living in the streets.”
“I don’t care much,” said Tom. “I’d rather do that than live with granny, and get licked.”
“But wouldn’t you like better to have a nice home, where you would have plenty to eat, and a good bed to sleep in?”
“I’ve been asking my sister to let you stay here with her. Would you like that?”
Tom regarded Mrs. Merton attentively. The face was careworn, but very different from granny’s. On the whole, it inspired her with some degree of confidence.
“If she wouldn’t lick me very often,” she said.
“I think I can promise that,” said Mrs. Merton, amused in spite of herself.
“Of course you will have to work. My sister will find something for you to do.”
“I aint afraid of work,” said Tom, “if I only get enough to eat, and aint licked.”
“You see, Tom, I feel an interest in you.”
“Little girl,” said Mrs. Merton, shocked, “you mustn’t use such language in addressing my brother.”
“Never mind, Martha; she means it as a compliment.”
“Certainly. But now about clothes. Can’t you rig her out with something that will make her presentable?”
“She needs a good washing first,” said Mrs. Merton, surveying Tom’s dirty face and hands with disfavor.
“A very good suggestion. You won’t mind being washed, I suppose, Tom?”
In fact she was quite indifferent on the subject. She was used to being dirty, but if she could oblige her new protector by washing, she was quite willing.
“I’ve got to go out for an hour or two,” said Captain Barnes, “but I will leave my carpet-bag here, and come back to lunch.”