CHAPTER IX.
MISS PATCH.
The opportunity Jessie yearned for came before long.

One morning her mother had, unexpectedly, to go out very soon after breakfast.
"Jessie," she said, "I haven't been able to touch Charlie's room, more than to make his bed; you must tidy it while I am out.

I shan't be very long, and there won't be anything more to do than just keep in the fire in the kitchen." Jessie was delighted.

As soon as her mother had gone she mounted to Charlie's room laden with brush and dustpan, and a bit of rag for a duster.

Charlie looked up in astonishment when she came in, then with delight; he loved to have Jessie doing things for him, she did them so thoroughly and daintily.
"I am going to brush down the cobwebs first," said Jessie, "at least all that I can reach," she added thoughtfully, "so put your head right down under the clothes.