`` One more job , if you are not too tired for it . I want the receipt for diet drink Miss Dawes promised me ; would you like to run down and get it for me , dear ? '' `` Yes , mother ! '' and that answer was as blithe as a robin 's chirp , for that was just where Merry wanted to go . Away went thimble and scissors , and in five minutes away went Merry , skipping down the hill without a care in the world , for a happy heart sat singing within , and everything seemed full of beauty . She had a capital time with Molly , called on Jill , did her shopping in the village , and had just turned to walk up the hill , when Ralph Evans came tramping along behind her , looking so pleased and proud about something that she could not help asking what it was , for they were great friends , and Merry thought that to be an artist was the most glorious career a man could choose . `` I know you 've got some good news , '' she said , looking up at him as he touched his hat and fell into step with her , seeming more contented than before . `` I have , and was just coming up to tell you , for I was sure you would be glad . It is only a hope , a chance , but it is so splendid I feel as if I must shout and dance , or fly over a fence or two , to let off steam . '' `` Do tell me , quick ; have you got an order ? '' asked Merry , full of interest at once , for artistic vicissitudes were very romantic , and she liked to hear about them . `` I may go abroad in the autumn . '' `` Oh , how lovely ! '' `` Is n't it ? David German is going to spend a year in Rome , to finish a statue , and wants me to go along . Grandma is willing , as cousin Maria wants her for a long visit , so everything looks promising and I really think I may go . '' `` Wo n't it cost a great deal ? '' asked Merry , who , in spite of her little elegancies , had a good deal of her thrifty mother 's common sense . `` Yes ; and I 've got to earn it . But I can -- I know I can , for I 've saved some , and I shall work like ten beavers all summer .
I wo n't borrow if I can help it , but I XXXXX someone who would lend me five hundred if I wanted it ; '' and Ralph looked as eager and secure as if the earning of twice that sum was a mere trifle when all the longing of his life was put into his daily tasks .
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