What could the man in the chair be thinking about?
His pipe was neglected; his gray head bowed.
"Course," said the young woman, with just a little lifting of her chin; "Course, if I couldn't never learn, there ain't no use to try." The old scholar raised his head and looked long at the girl.

Her splendid form, glowing with the rich life and strength of the wilderness, showed in every line the proud old southern blood.
Could she learn to be a fine lady?
Mr.Howitt thought of the women of the cities, pale, sickly, colorless, hot-house posies, beside this mountain flower.

What would this beautiful creature be, had she their training?
What would she gain?
What might she not lose?
Aloud he said, "My dear child, do you know what it is that you ask ?" Sammy hung her head, abashed at his serious tone.

"I 'lowed it would be right smart trouble for you," she said.

"But I could let you have Brownie in pay; he ain't only five year old, and is as sound as a button.