Though unaccustomed to such work, Marjorie was quick and deft at anything, and in a moment she had the apples nicely arranged and placed on the table.

She assisted in other ways, and chattered gayly as she worked.
Too gayly, Mrs.Geary thought, and she glanced knowingly at her husband, for they both realized Marjorie's flow of good spirits was forced,--not spontaneous.
After breakfast was over, Midget said, "Now, I'll wash up the dishes, Mrs.Geary, and you sit down and take a little rest." "Land sake, child! I ain't tired.

An' you ain't used to this work, I see you ain't." "That doesn't matter.

I can do it, and I must do something to pay for my board,--I have very little money." "Hear the child talk! Wal, you kin help me with the work, a little, an' then we must come to an understandin'." Marjorie worked with a nervous haste that betrayed her inexperience as well as her willingness, and after a time the plain little house was in order.
Mr.Geary came in from doing his out-of-door "chores," and Marjorie saw the "understandin'" was about to be arrived at.

But she was prepared; she had made up her mind as to her course, and was determined to pursue it.
"Now, fust of all," said Mr.Geary, kindly, but with decision, "what is your name ?" "Jessica Brown," said Marjorie, promptly.
She had already assured herself that as she had no real right to the name she had always used, she was privileged to choose herself a new one.