"If you don't believe I would, just try it.

Do you think you would like to try it ?" she asked, fiercely.
"No," answered Ida, with a shudder.
"Well, that's the most sensible thing you've said yet.

Now that you are a little more reasonable, I'll tell you what I am going to do with you." Ida looked eagerly up into her face.
"I am going to keep you with me for a year.

I want the services of a little girl for that time.

If you serve me faithfully, I will then send you back to New York." "Will you ?" asked Ida, hopefully.
"Yes, but you must mind and do what I tell you." "Oh, yes," said Ida, joyfully.
This was so much better than she had been led to fear, that the prospect of returning home at all, even though she had to wait a year, encouraged her.
"What do you want me to do ?" she asked.
"You may take the broom and sweep the room." "Yes, Aunt Peg." "And then you may wash the dishes." "Yes, Aunt Peg." "And after that, I will find something else for you to do." Mrs.Hardwick threw herself into a rocking-chair, and watched with grim satisfaction the little handmaiden, as she moved quickly about.
"I took the right course with her," she said to herself.