A surprise now awaited the children, for Marian Brookland paid a visit to Upland Farm.
The next morning Rose was standing in the yard, holding up little May's apron, which was full of corn, while the little girl was scattering food to numerous hens, chickens, and pigeons, and Robin was sitting astride on the gate — an imaginary horse — when Marian Brookland walked down the garden path. Her father was calling at some house half a mile away, and she had walked on to see the children.
The moment she caught sight of her friend, Rose took May's hand and pulled her forward, and Robin clambered from the gate. Then they were seized with a little shyness, and stood silent and rosy.
Marian greeted the children warmly, and they soon were chatting away merrily, showing her this, that and the other thing.
"Well, you seem very happy," exclaimed Marian, seating herself on a wooden bench, with May on her knee, and the others squeezing closely to her.
"So we are, sometimes," said Robin, "when we are with Susan or Uncle. Oh! Susan's a dear. She is my friend, and I am her boy, and Rose is her girl, and she tells us pretty stories, about Jesus and Moses, out of the Bible. It is only Aunt who is cross."
"Hush, Robin, you shouldn't tell; she is not always."
"No, no, not always; only when I provoke her, like getting in her way, or won't tail `goosegogs.' "
"Well, Robin, you must try and be good, and gentle, and obedient. You know it is very kind of your uncle and aunt to take you to live with them. Try and be a help."
"Oh, I am a very great help to Susan, and I try, try, try to do things for her, because she is so kind to me."
Miss Brookland was soon invited inside the house by their aunt, who caught sight of them in the garden, and she remained some little while talking to Mrs. Clark. She spoke of their mother's love for them, and how great a kindness it was to provide them a comfortable home. Altogether, Mrs. Clark rather liked Miss Brookland, and was especially pleased when the carriage drove up, and a large parcel was opened, containing a pretty set of collar and cuffs for herself, as a little remembrance, and new dresses for Rose and May, and a coat for Robin.
As the children accompanied her to the garden gate, Marian gave them each a bit more money.
"Oh! it is wonderful! Miss Marian," cried Rose with delight. "I am glad! Thank you ever so much."
"What will you do with it, Rose?"
"Why, Miss Marian, we know an old woman at least Susan does — who is poor, and I am going with her to take this poor woman some good things. I wanted so much to help several people. There is a poor, sick boy who needs good meat, and I want so much to tell them about Jesus, now that I know about Him and love Him. Isn't it a dreadful pity for them never to go to heaven?"
Marian was silent for a moment, then she said, "Yes, it is, but who teaches you these things?"
"Susan and Mr. Rowland. I go to his class on Sundays, and he tells us such nice things."
"And who is Susan?"
"Why, she is just Susan, that washes dishes, and cleans pots and pans," answered Robin. "Only she is never cross. And there she is," he cried, running to meet her.
Of course she was introduced quickly, and without ceremony, to Miss Brookland, and received her hearty thanks for the kindness she showed the children.
When Marian Brookland said goodbye, an old homesick feeling brought tears from Rose, as she thought of her mother.
"Can't we go with you, Miss Marian, and see our little cottage?" she asked shyly.
"Yes, take us back, Miss Marian," cried Robin, seeing the horse and carriage, and remembering the old times.
"You would not care to go, dears. Someone else lives in Cherry Cottage now, and you don't want to leave Susan, do you?"
This turned the tide of feeling, and getting close to Susan, they waved a hearty "goodbye," as the carriage drove off to pick up the doctor.