So you can plant, and play, and do what you please there.

'You, and your heirs and assigns, for ever,' as the rascals say." It was my turn now to be speechless.

But as I stared blankly in front of me, I saw that Father had come round, and was looking at me through his eye-glass.

He nodded to me, and said, "Yes, Mary, the Squire has given Mary's Meadow to you, and it is yours." * * * * * Nothing would induce the Old Squire to take it back, so I had to have it, for my very own.

He said he had always been sorry he had spoken so roughly to me, but he could not say so, as he and Father were not on speaking terms.