Who taught you ? '' `` The birds , '' answered the girl , with a smile , as she fell to work again . `` It is very wonderful ! I can sing , but nothing half so fine as that . What is your name , please ? '' `` Phebe Moore . '' `` I 've heard of phebe-birds ; but I do n't believe the real ones could do that , '' laughed Rose , adding , as she watched with interest the scattering of dabs of soft soap over the bricks , `` May I stay and see you work ? It is very lonely in the parlor . '' `` Yes , indeed , if you want to , '' answered Phebe , wringing out her cloth in a capable sort of way that impressed Rose very much . `` It must be fun to swash the water round and dig out the soap . I 'd love to do it , only aunt would n't like it , I suppose , '' said Rose , quite taken with the new employment . `` You 'd soon get tired , so you 'd better keep tidy and look on . '' `` I suppose you help your mother a good deal ? '' `` I have n't got any folks . '' `` Why , where do you live , then ? '' `` I 'm going to live here , I hope . Debby wants some one to help round , and I 've come to try for a week . '' `` I hope you will stay , for it is very dull , '' said Rose , who had taken a sudden fancy to this girl , who sung like a bird and worked like a woman . `` Hope I shall ; for I 'm fifteen now , and old enough to earn my own living . You have come to stay a spell , have n't you ? ''
asked XXXXX , looking up at her guest and wondering how life could be dull to a girl who wore a silk frock , a daintily frilled apron , a pretty locket , and had her hair tied up with a velvet snood .
Debby Hope Moore Phebe Rose bricks dabs fancy phebe-birds week