"Ah, but Madame is too kind," she said.

"A stupid old woman like me to be asked to tell her little stories--but we shall see--some day, perhaps.

So that the apples taste good, old Marie will be pleased indeed." "What is the story of Marie's apple-tree, grandmother ?" said Sylvia, as they walked back to the house.
"She must tell you herself," said grandmother.

"She will be coming up to-morrow morning to see us, as it is her birthday, and you must ask her about it.

Poor old Marie." "Has she been a long time with you, grandmother dear ?" said Molly.
"Twelve or thirteen years, soon after we first came here.