They all laughed.
"I 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 glanced at it, he found himself mistaken.
"Thank you, grannie," he said, trying not to show 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!" "Show it me, dear.