m as he
knocked at the squire's door. He was proud of the success he had
achieved, and even then his cheek burned under the anticipated
commendations which his generous friend would bestow upon him.
Besides, Annie would be glad to see him, for she had expressed such a
desire when they parted on the Monday preceding. I don't think that
Bobby cherished any silly ideas, but the sympathy of the little maiden
fell not coldly or unwelcomely upon his warm heart. In coming from the
house he had placed his copy of "The Wayfarer" under his arm, for Annie
was fond of reading; and on the way over, he had pictured to himself
the pleasure she would derive from reading his book.

Of course he received a warm welcome from the squire and his daughter.
Each of them had bestowed more than a thought upon the little wanderer
as he went from house to house, and more than once they had conversed
together about him.

"Well, Bobby, how is trade in the book line?" asked the squire, after
the young pilgrim had been cordially greeted.

"Pretty fair," replied Bobby, with as much indifference as he could
command, though it was hard even to seem indifferent then and there.

"Where have you been travelling?"

"In B----."

"Fine place. Books sell well there?"

"Very well; in fact, I sold out all my stock by noon yesterday."

"How many books did you carry?"

"Fifty."

"You did well."

"I should think you did!" added Annie, with an enthusiasm which quite
upset all Bobby's assumed indifference. "Fifty books!"

"Yes, Miss Annie; and I have brought you a copy of the book I have been
selling; I thought you would like to read it. It is a splendid work,
and will be _the_ book of the season."

"I shall be delighted to read it," replied Annie, taking the proffered
volume. "It looks real good," she continued, as she turned over the
leaves.

"It is first rate; I have read it through."

"It was very kind of you to think of me when you have so much business
on your mind," added she, with a roguish smile.

"I shall never have so much business on my mind that I cannot think of
my friends," replied Bobby, so gallantly and so smartly that it
astonished himself.

"I was just thinking what I should read next; I am so glad you have
come."

"Never mind her, Bobby; all she wanted was the book," interposed Squire
Lee, laughing.

"Now, pa!"

"Then I shall bring her one very often."

"You are too bad, pa," said Annie, who, like most young la