"'They'llHAVEtostay，Is'pose；theredon'tseemnohelpforitnow。There'spertatersinthecellar，an'theycanroastan'
　　eatwhattheywant。I'llgive'emsaltan'whatmilkan'brownbreadtheywant，an'that'swhatthey'llhavetoliveonforthepresent。Asforhousin''em，theboyscansleeponthehayinthebarn，an'thegirlscancampdownonrugsan'comfortersonthekitchenfloor。that'sthebestIcando，an'iftheyain'tsatisfiedtheycangofurder。'
　　"Irememberjusthowhelookeddownatthetroubled，childishfacesupturnedtohisown，asifhalfhopingwemightconcludetowanderyetfartherawayfromourimperilledhomes；butAuntPollyhastenedtoanswer:
　　"'Oh，we'llgetalongnicelywithmilkforthelittleones，andpotatoesandsaltforthebigboysandgirls，andwewon'ttroubleyouanymorenoranylongerthanwecanhelp，Mr。
　　Gubtil。'
　　"Shestooduponthedoor-stonebesidehimasshespoke，alittle，bent，slightlydeformedfigure，withafaceshrivelledandfadedlikeawinter-russetappleinspring-time，andadresspatchedanddarnedtillonescarcelycouldtellwhattheoriginalwaslike，inastrikingcontrasttothetall，broad-shouldered，haleoldman，whoseironframehaddefiedthestormsofmorethanseventywinters；butIrememberhowheseemedtomeamerepigmybythesideofthegenerous，large-heartedwomanwhosetonesandgestureshadaprotectiveness，astrengthbornofloveandpity，thatreassuredustremblinglittlefugitivesinspiteofourungraciousreception。WefeltthatAuntPollywouldtakecareofus，letwhatwouldcome。
　　"Thehoursdraggedslowlyaway。AuntPollytoldusthatthedistantfiringmeantthatourmenhadnotretreatedwithoutanefforttodefendthevillage。Whenthisfiringceased，webegantowatchandhopethatsomemessagewouldcomefromourfathersandmothers。Butnonecame。WewonderedamongourlittleselvesiftheyallhadbeenputtodeathbytheBritish，andeventheoldestamongusshedsomedrearytears。
　　"DanParsons，whowasthebiggestboyamongusandofanadventurousturn，wentinthegatheringtwilightgloomdownasnearthevillageashedared。Hecameshiveringbacktouswithsuchtalesofvaguehorrorthatourveryheartsstoppedbeatingwhilewelistened。
　　"'Icrep'alongundertheshadderofthealdersandblack-berrybushes，'hebegan，''tilIgotcloseterDe'conMilleseshouse。
　　'Twasasstillasdeath'roundthere，butjestasIturnedthecornerbythebarnIseesomethin'graya-flappin'anda-flutterin'jestinsidethebarndoor。Istopped，kindo'
　　wonderin'whatitcouldbe，whenallatonceIthoughtIshould'a'dropped，foritcameovermelikeaflashthatitmightbe'——
　　"'What，what，Dan？'criedascoreoffrightenedvoices；andDanrepliedsolemnly:
　　"'THEOLDDEACON'SSKULP!'
　　"'Ohdear!ohdear!'sobbedtheterrifiedchorus。
　　"AuntPollycoulddonothingwithus；andlittleDollyMiles，thedeacon'sgranddaughter，burstintoaseriesofwildlamentationsthatcalledFarmerGubtiltothedoortoknowthecauseofthecommotion。
　　"'What'sallthishullabalooabout？'heaskedcrossly；andwhenhehadheardthestoryheseizedDanandshookhimtillhisteethchattered。
　　"'Whatdoyoumeanbytellin'suchstuffan'scarin'theseyoungonesterdeath？'hedemanded。
　　"Danwriggledhimselffromhisgraspandlookedsulkilydefiant:
　　"'Ididn'tsay'TWASthat，'hemuttered。'IsaiditMIGHTbe，an'p'r'aps'twas；oritmight'a'beenthedeacon'soldmareswitchin''ertailterkeepofftheflies。I'msure_I_don'tknowwhich'twas。Butgirlsarealwaysa-squealin'atnothin'。'
　　"Andwiththispartingflingatustearfulones，Danturnedinthedirectionofthebarn；butIwastooanxioustohearfromfatherandmothertolethimgowithoutawordmore。'Dan，'I
　　whisperedwithmyhandonhisarm，'didyouseeorhearanythingofOURfolks？'
　　"'No!'wastherathergrumpreply；'afterwhatIsawatthedeacon'sIdidn'twantterventur'furder，butfromthereIcouldsee'emlightin'firesinthevillage，an'Idon'tdoubtbythistimethatmosto'thehousesisinflames。'
　　"WiththiscomfortingassuranceDanwentofftohisbeduponthehaymow，andIcreptbackintothehouseandlaidmytiredheaddownuponAuntPolly'smotherlylap，where，betweenmysobs，I
　　managedtotellwhatDanhadtoldme。
　　AuntPollylaidacaressinghanduponmyhair:'La，child，'saidshesoothingly，'don'tyouworryyourselfabitoverDanParson'sstories。ThatboywasBORNtotellstories。TheBritishersarebadenough，buttheyain'theathensavages，an'ifthetownhassurrendered，asIcalc'lateithas，thesettlerswillbetreatedlikeprisonerso'war。Therewon'tbenosculpin'norburnin'o'
　　houses——no，dear。Andnow，'givingmealittlereassuringpat，'you'realltiredout，an'oughtterbeasleep。I'llmakeupabedonthisrugwithacushionunderyourhead，an'mybigplaidshawloveryou，an'you'llsleepjestassoundasifyouwasterhomeinyourowntrundle-bed。'
　　"LittleSallysharedmyrugandshawl，andAuntPolly，gentlyrefusingtheungraciouscivilityoftheoldcouple，whohadofferedhertheuseoftheirsparebedroom，afterseeingeverylittle，tiredformmadeascomfortableaspossiblewithquiltsandblanketsfromthefarmwife'sstores，laidherselfdownuponthefloorbesideus，aftercommendingherselfandustotheGodshelovedandtrusted，raisedherheadandspoketousoncemoreinhersweet，hopeful，quaveringoldtones:
　　"'Goodnight，dears!Gotosleepanddon'tbeabitafraid。I
　　shouldn'twonderifyourfolkscomeforyouinthemornin'。'
　　"Whatcomforttherewasinherwords!Andeventheverylittleones，whohadneverbeenawayfromtheirmothersanightbeforeintheirlives，stoppedtheirlowsobbingandnestleddowntosleep，surethatGodandAuntPollywouldletnoharmcometothem。
　　"Thenextdaypassedslowlyandanxiouslyforusall。FromastraytravellerAuntPollylearnedthatthevillagewasstillinthehandsoftheBritishand——whatwasnolittlecomforttous——thatnoviolencehadbeendonetotheplaceoritsinhabitants。
　　Someoftheolderboyswereforventuringtoreturn，butAuntPollyheldthembackwithherprudentarguments。Iftheirparentshadconsidereditsafeforthemtocomehometheywouldhavesentforthem。TheBritish，shesaid，hadbeenknowntoimpressboys，aswellasmen，intoservice，andthewisestwaywastokeepoutoftheirsight。
　　"Thegentle，motherlyadviceprevailed，andevenDanParsonscontentedhimselfwithclimbingthetallesttreesinthevicinity，fromwhichhecouldseethechimneysofseveralofthenearesthouses。Fromthesepinnacleshewouldcallouttousatintervals:
　　"'Thesmokecomin'outo'DeaconMileseschimlyhasaqueerlook，somethin'likeburnin'feathersIshouldn'twonderamiteifthemBritisherswasburnin'uphisfurnitoor!SamKelly'sfolkshain'thadasparko'fireintheirfireplaceto-day。Poorcritters!Mebbethereain'tnobodyleftterwantone。'
　　"Withthesedismalsurmises，Danmanagedtokeepourforlornlittleflockasuncomfortableasevenhecouldwish；andasthesecondnightdrewon，Isupposethehomesicknessofthesmalleronesmusthavebeenpitifultosee。AuntPollypattedandcuddledtheforlornlittlethingstothebestofherability，butitwaspastmidnightbeforethelastweary，sobbingbabywasfairlyasleep，whileallnightlongoneoranotherwouldstartupterrifiedfromsomefrightfuldream，tobesoothedintoquietbythepatientmotherlytendernessoftheirwakefulprotector。
　　"Nextmorningthebrowofthefarmerworeanominousfrown，andhiswife，asshedistributedtoeachthescantmeasureofbrownbreadandmilkremarked，grudgingly，thatsheshouldthink'twas'bouttimethatherhousewasclearedofacrowdo'hungry，squallin'youngones；andthenMr。Gubtiltookouthisaccount-bookandwrotedownthenameofeachchild，withanestimateoftheamountofbread，milkandpotatoesconsumedbyeach。Hedidthiswiththeaudibleremarkthat'iffolksthoughthewasa-feedin'an'a-housin'theiryoungonesfornothin'
　　they'dfindthemselvesmightilymistaken。'
　　"Thethirdmorningdraggedslowlyaway。Dinnerwasoverandstillnomessageforusforlornlittleones。AtlastAuntPollyslowlyarosefromherseatuponthedoorstep，withthelightofastrong，courageousresolveonherlittleface。
　　"Children!'shecalledloudly，andafterwehadgatheredathercall，shespoketouswithanencouragingsmile:
　　"'I'vemadeupmymindthat'twon'tbebestforustostayhereanothernight。We'reintheway，andthelittleoneswouldbebetteroffathomewiththeirmothers。Weknowthatthefightin'
　　isallover，andIdon'tbelievetheEnglishsoldiers'llbebadenoughtohurtaloto'littlehelplesschildren，'speciallyifthey'reunderaflago'truce。'
　　"Hereshedrewahandkerchiffromherpocket。Thisshefastenedcarefullytoastick。ThenputtingitintothehandsofmybrotherBen，awell-grownladoftwelve，shewentonwithherdirections:
　　"'We'llforminprocession，justaswecame，andyou，Benjie，maymarchattheheadwiththiswhiteflaga-wavin'toletthemknowthatwecomeinpeace。I'llfollownextwiththebiggestboys，andthegirls，withthelittleones，mustkeepbehindwhereit'ssafest。'
　　"PerhapsitwasthecontagionofAuntPolly'scheerfulcourage，butmorelikelyitwastheblessedhopeofseeinghomeandfatherandmotheragain，thatmadethelittlefolkssoprompttoobeyherdirections。Weformedourselvesinlineinlesstimethanittakestotellaboutit；weeldergirlstookchargeoftheweeoneswhoweresorejoicedtoleavetheinhospitableroofoftheGubtils'thattheyforgotalltheirfearsoftheterribleEnglish，andtrottedalongasblithelyoverthedesertedroadasifnotafearhadeverterrifiedtheirchildishhearts，andasifEnglishsoldierswerestillsimplythosefar-offmonstersthathadservedasbugbearstofrightenthemnowandthenintoobediencetomaternalauthority。
　　"TheGubtilswatchedusoffwithoutawordofencouragementorfriendliness。AuntPollywalkedclosebehindtheflag-bearerwithafirmstep，butIcouldseethatshewasverypale，andwhenwecametodescendthelittlehillthatledintothevillage，andwhenjustatitsfoot，wherethenstoodthegroceryofoldPennParker，wecaughtaglimpseofthescarletuniformsofseveralsoldiersloafingabout——thenevenwechildrencouldseethatherstepsfaltered；andIrememberIthoughtshewasfearfulofsomeviolence。
　　"Butthenextmomentshewaswalkingsteadilyalongagainasifnothoughtofdangerorretreathadeverenteredhermind；andaswecameoppositethegroceryandatallmaninanofficer'suniformstrolledouttowarduswithacurious，questioninglookuponhishandsomeface，shegavethewordofcommandtoherlittlebrigadeinavoiceasclearasabell:
　　"'Halt，children!'
　　"Weallstoodstillasmice，eyingthestrangerwithlooksinwhichfearandadmirationwereprobablycuriouslyblended，whileAuntPolly，takingthewhiteflagfromhercolor-bearer，advancedwithafirmfronttomeetthefoewhonow，reinforcedbyseveralmen，stoodbesidetheway，evidentlywonderingwhatthisqueerparadewasabout。
　　"'Sir!'andAuntPolly'svoicetrembledperceptiblybutshewavedthewhiteflagmanfullyunderhisverynose，'sir，Idemandasafepassagefortheseinnocentchildrentotheirdifferenthomes。'
　　"Theofficerstared，andhismouthtwitchedmischievouslyasifhehadhardworktokeepfromlaughingoutright。Buthewasagentleman；andwhenhespoke，hespokelikeone。
　　"'Mygoodwoman，'hesaidkindly，'thesechildrenarenothingtome。Ifyouwishpermissionforthemtogototheirownhomesyouarewelcometoit，thoughinwhatwaythematterconcernsmeI
　　mustconfessIamatalosstoimagine。"
　　Then，andnottillthen，AuntPollybrokedownandsobbedaloud:
　　"'Run，children，'shecriedassoonasshecouldspeak；'gohomejustasfastasyoucanscud；an'tellyourfolks，'sheaddedwithagustofgratitude，'thatthere'sworsefolksintheworldthananEnglishman。'
　　"Youmaybesurethatwewaitedfornofurtherurging；andasweflew，ratherthanran，inthedirectionofourdifferenthomes，I
　　heardtheirrepressibleburstoflaughterwithwhichtheofficerandhismenreceivedthegratefulspinster'scomplimentwhich，tothedayofherdeath，shelovedtorepeatwhenevershetoldthethrillingstoryofheradventurewiththeEnglishofficer，'whenHampdenwastookbytheBritishin1814；'alwaysconcludingwiththiscandidadmission:
　　"'An'really，now，ifhe'd'a'beenanybodybutanEnglishman，an'aninimy，Ishould'a'saidthatIneversoteyesonabetter-built，moremannerlyman，inallmyborndays。'"
　　Heigho!BabyMine!
　　Nowwhereareyoucreeping，Withsucharapidpaceacrossthenurseryfloor？
　　OnlyouttoMammawho'llgiveyouroyalgreeting，Withcoddlingandpettingandkissesgalore。
　　CORINNE'SMUSICALE。
　　InsideofmesaysIamnaughty，Buttruly，IknowIamnot；
　　ForifBrotherJoecouldseemeRightinthisverysamespot，He'dletmedojustwhatI'mdoing，I'mverysure；thatis，perhaps。Ohdear!howeverdobigfolksHoldthisthingstraightintheirlaps？
　　Itslips，an'itslips，an'
　　itslips，YounaughtyoldBanjo，ohdear!
　　Ishecoming？thenwhatwillhedoTofindmesittinguphere!Ho，ho!'twasamouse——howsillyAn'frightenedI'veactuallybeen；
　　Forhe'dsay，"Ifyouholditquitestill，Youmaytakeit，I'mwilling，Corinne!"
　　Iknow:sonowI'llbeginit；
　　Howdoeshego"tum-tytumting，"
　　An'makesuchbeautifultunes；
　　Toolovelyforanything？
　　Iain'tabit'fraidtheymayhear，——Thehouse-people'wayoffbelow——
　　MeplayinginBrotherJoe'sroom，StillIbetterbecareful，youknow。
　　Iftheydidn'tsay'twasamusing，Ish'dthink'twasstupidtoplay，TotugatsuchtiresomestringsAn'makethemcomeoverthisway；
　　Butitmustbedelightful。I'llpullAveryfinetuneatfirst；
　　Now，"tum-tytingtw-a-n-g!"
　　Itsound'sasifsomethinghadburst!
　　Thatstringmust'a'trulybeencracked，Don'tyous'pose？ormoth-eaten，p'raps；
　　'Tisn'tpleasanttopractice，I'msure，Butforlorn，whenanythingflaps。
　　SoIguessIhavefinished；hark，hark!
　　HereallyIScoming——Ohmy!
　　Now，Banjo，Iknowmammawantsme，An'soImustbidyougood-by!
　　MARGARETSIDNEY。
　　Mr。Bunnywasarabbit，Mr。Bunnywasathief!
　　HehoppedintomygardenAndstoleacabbageleaf。
　　HeateupallmyparsnipsWithoutaskingifhemay，AndwhenItriedtocatchhimKickeduphisheelsandranaway。
　　BARBARAFRIETCHIE。
　　Upfromthemeadowsrichwithcorn，ClearinthecoolSeptembermorn，TheclusteredspiresofFrederickstandGreen-walledbythehillsofMaryland。
　　Roundaboutthemorchardssweep，Appleandpeach-treefruiteddeep，FairasagardenoftheLordTotheeyesofthefamishedrebelhorde，Onthatpleasantmornoftheearlyfall，WhenLeemarchedoverthemountain-wall——
　　Overthemountainswindingdown，Horseandfoot，intoFredericktown——
　　Fortyflagswiththeirsilverstars，Fortyflagswiththeircrimsonbars，Flappedinthemorningwind:thesunOfnoonlookeddown，andsawnotone。
　　UproseoldBarbaraFrietchiethen，Bowedwithherfourscoreyearsandten；
　　BravestofallinFredericktown，Shetookuptheflagthemenhauleddown:
　　Inheratticwindowthestaffsheset，Toshowthatoneheartwasloyalyet。
　　Upthestreetcametherebeltread，StonewallJacksonridingahead。
　　Underhisslouchedhat，leftandright，Heglanced:theoldflagmethissight。
　　"Halt"——thedust-brownranksstoodfast，"Fire!"——outblazedtherifle-blast。
　　Itshiveredthewindow，paneandsash；
　　Itrentthebannerwithseamandgash。
　　Quickasitfellfromthebrokenstaff，DameBarbarasnatchedthesilkenscarf；
　　Sheleanedfaroutonthewindowsill，Andshookitforthwitharoyalwill。
　　"Shootifyoumustthisoldgrayhead，——
　　Butspareyourcountry'sflag，"shesaid。
　　Ashadeofsadness，ablushofshame，Overthefaceoftheleadercame；
　　ThenoblernaturewithinhimstirredTolifeatthatwoman'sdeedandword。
　　"WhotouchesahairofyongrayheadDieslikeadog!Marchon!"hesaid。
　　AlldaylongthroughFrederickstreetSoundedthetreadofmarchingfeet。
　　AlldaylongthatfreeflagtossedOvertheheadsoftherebelhost；
　　EveritstornfoldsroseandfellOntheloyalwindsthatloveditwell；
　　Andthroughthehill-gaps，sunsetlightShoneoveritwithawarmgood-night。
　　BarbaraFrietchie'sworkiso'er，Andtherebelridesonhisraidsnomore。
　　Honortoher!——andletatearFall，forhersake，onStonewall'sbier。
　　OverBarbaraFrietchie'sgrave，FlagofFreedomandUnionwave!
　　Peace，andorder，andbeauty，drawRoundthysymboloflightandlaw；
　　AndeverthestarsabovelookdownOnthystarsbelowatFredericktown!
　　JOHNGREENLEAFWHITTIER。
　　Asturdycow-boyIwouldbeAndchasethisbuffalooutintheWest。
　　AnIndianponyIknowIcouldride，And"roundup"withalltherest。
　　SHERIDAN'SRIDE。
　　UsedbyspecialarrangementwithJ。B。LippincottCompany，Philadelphia，publisherofMr。Read'sPoems。
　　UpfromtheSouthatbreakofday，BringingtoWinchesterfreshdismay，Theaffrightedairwithashudderbore，Likeaheraldinhaste，tothechieftain'sdoor，Theterriblegrumbleandrumbleandroar，Tellingthebattlewasononcemore，AndSheridantwentymilesaway。
　　AndwilderstillthosebillowsofwarThunderedalongthehorizon'sbar，AndlouderyetintoWinchesterrolledTheroarofthatredseauncontrolled，MakingthebloodofthelistenercoldAshethoughtofthestakeinthatfieryfray，AndSheridantwentymilesaway。
　　ButthereisaroadfromWinchestertown，Agood，broadhighwayleadingdown；
　　Andtherethroughtheflashofthemorninglight，Asteedasblackasthesteedsofnight，Wasseentopassaswitheagle'sflight——
　　Asifheknewtheterribleneed，Hestretchedawaywiththeutmostspeed；
　　Hillsroseandfell——buthisheartwasgay，WithSheridanfifteenmilesaway。
　　Stillsprungfromtheseswifthoofs，thunderingSouth，Thedust，likethesmokefromthecannon'smouth，Orthetrailofacometsweepingfasterandfaster，Forebodingtotraitorsthedoomofdisaster；
　　Theheartofthesteedandtheheartofthemaster，Werebeatinglikeprisonersassaultingtheirwalls，Impatienttobewherethebattle-fieldcalls；
　　Everynerveofthechargerwasstrainedtofullplay，WithSheridanonlytenmilesaway。
　　UnderhisspurningfeettheroadLikeanarrowyAlpineriverflowed；
　　AndthelandscapespedawaybehindLikeanoceanflyingbeforethewind。
　　Andthesteed，likeabarkfedwithfurnaceire，Sweptonwithhiswildeyesfulloffire，Butlo!heisnearinghisheart'sdesire——
　　Heissnuffingthesmokeoftheroaringfray，WithSheridanonlyfivemilesaway。
　　ThefirstthattheGeneralsawwerethegroupsOfstragglers，andthentheretreatingtroops；
　　Whatwasdone——whattodo——aglancetoldhimboth，Andstrikinghisspurswithaterribleoath，Hedasheddowntheline'midastormofhuzzahs，AndthewaveofretreatcheckeditscoursetherebecauseThesightofthemastercompelledittopause。
　　Withfoamandwithdusttheblackchargerwasgray，Bytheflashofhiseye，andhisrednostrils'play，Heseemedtothewholegreatarmytosay，"IhavebroughtyouSheridanallthewayFromWinchesterdowntosavetheday!"
　　Hurrah，hurrahforSheridan!
　　Hurrah，hurrahforhorseandman!
　　AndwhentheirstatuesareplacedonhighUnderthedomeoftheUnionsky——
　　TheAmericansoldiers'TempleofFame——
　　TherewiththegloriousGeneral'snameBeitsaidinlettersbothboldandbright:
　　"HereisthesteedthatsavedthedayBycarryingSheridanintothefight，FromWinchester——twentymilesaway!"
　　T。B。READ。
　　See-saw，MargeryDaw，Jennyshallhaveanewmaster，Sheshallhavebutapennyaday，Becauseshecan'tworkanyfaster。
　　AnoldHippopotamuslivedontheNile，Ifshehasn'tgoneaway，she'sbeentherequiteawhile。
　　Shegivesallherchildrenarideonherback，Broadenoughtoaccommodatethewholescramblingpack。
　　THECHILDREN'SHOUR
　　Betweenthedarkanddaylight，Whenthenightisbeginningtolower，Comesapauseintheday'soccupationsThatisknownastheChildren'sHour。
　　IhearinthechamberabovemeThepatteroflittlefeet，Thesoundofadoorthatisopened，Andvoicessoftandsweet。
　　FrommystudyIseeinthelamp-light，Descendingthebroadhall-stair，GraveAliceandlaughingAllegra，AndEdithwithgoldenhair。
　　Awhisper，andthenasilence；
　　YetIknowbytheirmerryeyesTheyareplottingandplanningtogetherTotakemebysurprise。
　　Asuddenrushfromthestairway，Asuddenraidfromthehall!
　　BythreedoorsleftunguardedTheyentermycastlewall!
　　Theyclimbupintomyturret，O'erthearmsandbackofmychair；
　　IfItrytoescape，theysurroundme，Theyseemtobeeverywhere。
　　Theyalmostdevourmewithkisses；
　　Theirarmsaboutmeentwine，TillIthinkoftheBishopofBingenInhisMouse-TowerontheRhine!
　　Doyouthink，Oblue-eyedbanditti，Becauseyouhavescaledthewall，SuchanoldMustacheasIamIsnotamatchforyouall？
　　Ihaveyoufastinmyfortress，Andwillnotletyoudepart，Butputyoudowninthedungeon，Intheround-towerofmyheart。
　　AndthereIwillkeepyouforever，Yes，foreverandaday，Tillthewallsshallcrumbletoruin，Andmoulderindustaway。
　　HENRYW。LONGFELLOW。
　　Iwilldigmeagardenandplantitwithseeds，Iwillhoeandwateritandkeepdowntheweeds；
　　Thenperhapssomeofthesebrightsummerdays，TomammaIcancarrybigboquets。
　　CARYL'SPLUM。
　　"HeputinhisthumbAndpulledoutaplum。"
　　SosangCaryloverthestairs。
　　"NowifHEpulledoutaplum，whyshouldn'tSHE？"shesaidtoherself，haltingabitbythelandingwindow。"Andagoodbigplumtoo——niceandjuicy。OAuntSylvia，AuntSylvia!"
　　Shefairlyhuggedherselfinglee，thendrewonelongbreathanddashedontoherownpoorlittleroom。
　　"Oh，youhere，Viny？"sheexclaimedinsurpriseassheflungopenthedoor。
　　Asmallfigurerosetoaperpendicularpositioninfrontoftheoldbureau，whileashoving-tooftheunderdrawerproclaimedsomeattentionhavingbeenpaidtotheprettylaces，ribbons，andvariousotheradornmentspackedawayforsafekeeping。
　　CarylrememberedleavingthekeyinthedraweraftertakingoutabitoflavenderribbonthenightbeforeforAuntSylvia'scap。
　　"Whathaveyoubeendoing？"sheaskedsharply；andtakingholdofthesmallwiryshoulder，shelookeddownintoalittleblackfacewhoseeyeswerestaringsolemnlyintothefarthestcorneroftheroom。
　　"Bendoin'？"repeatedViny，scaredalmosttodeathinwardly，butpreservingacoolexterior。"Nothin'，onlyshettin'thedraw'；
　　plagueythingwouldn'tstayput。Toremydress，"sheaddedmumblinglytofilloutthepause。
　　"Where？"saidCaryl，lookingsharplyather。
　　"Dar，"saidViny，withaviolenttwist，sothatshecouldcompassthebackbreadthsofherblueginghamfrock，andshepointedabruptlytoacat-a-corneredrent。
　　"Oh，no，youdidn't，"contradictedCaryl，lookingherthroughandthrough，andgivingherasmallshake，"tearthateither；IheardMaumPattyscoldyouyesterdayforlettingJipbiteitandsnipoutapiece。"
　　"Well，somefintore，"saidViny。"Idonnowhar'tis，butit'ssomewhars。Amightysmarttare，too，MissCa。"
　　"I'lllock，andlock，andlock，"declaredtheyounggirl，nowdownonherkneesbeforeherpreciousdrawer，"beforeIrunthechanceofyourrummagingfingersgettinghereagain。Nowthen，Viny!"
　　"Yes'm，"saidthelittleblackgirlobsequiously，androllinghereyestoallquarters；"Oh，yes'm!"
　　"Wearegoingtomove，Viny，"saidheryoungmistress，takingthekeyoutofitslock，andturningherbackondrawersandcontents，tositonthefloorwithhandsfoldedinherlapwhileshewatchedtheeffectofherwords。
　　"MOVE？"echoedVinywithastart；"Oh，lawks!whatever'sdat，Miss？"
　　"Why，gotoanewplace，"saidCaryl，laughinginspiteofherself。"Formercy'ssake，child，dotakeyoureyesin!It'llbeveryfine，Viny，oh，sofine!"shecriedenthusiastically。
　　"An'libherenebbernomo'？"criedthelittleblackfigureinashrillscream；"wot，an'hevnoleakysinkdatkepsmea-swashin'
　　anda-swashin'，an'nooldrufdatletsinhullbucketsfullo'
　　wateronterdebed，an'——"
　　"No，"saidCaryl，interruptingthesteadystreamofinvectiveagainsttheoldheuse，"everything'stobeasnewandniceandneatasapin，Viny——sinksandeverythingelse；youcan'tbegintothinkhowsplendidit'stobe!"
　　"I'mgoin'totellgramma，"criedViny，whollyoffherbalance，"disberrysameminnit。Lawks!butwon'tshebetickledtoleavetheoleshell!DenI'llgitmybunnetan'gowidyer，MissCa，intreeshakesofalobster'swhisker!"
　　Shescamperedinthegreatestexcitementtothedoor，whenadetainingpullontheendofherlongapron，broughthertoafullstop。
　　"Youarecrazy，child!"exclaimedCaryl，burstingintoalaughandholdingherfast。"Wecan'tgothismoment，nomatterhowbadtheoldhouseis。Listen，Viny!"
　　Butthesmallfigureflungitselfintoaheaponthefloorsosuddenlythatshenearlypulledheryoungmistresswithher，whilethelittleblackhandsclappedthemselvesoverthebeadlikeeyes，wailafterwailofdisappointmentmakingtheroomtoring。
　　"WillyouSTOP!"criedCarylinperfectdespair。"AuntSylvia'sheadwillsnapwithyournoise!Ifyoudon'tstopcrying，Viny，yousha'n'tgowhentherestofusarereadytomove，sothere，now。"
　　Threatshadthepowertodowhatnothingelsecould。Vinywipedoffallthetearswiththebacksofhergrimylittlepaws，gavetwoorthreeconcludingsniffs，satupstraight，andwasimmediatelyallrightforfurtherdevelopments。
　　"Nowthen"——Carylpointedoffhersentencesbrisklyonthetipsofherrosyfingers——"youmusttrytohelp——well，anawfulgreatdeal，Viny，yourself，orelseitcan'tbeamovingforanysingleoneofus。"
　　Viny'seyeswidenedfearfully，butshedidn'tstir。
　　"Ifyouwilltakecare——mind!SPLENDIDcareofAuntSylviaeverymorning，"saidCarylslowlyandwithextremeempressment——"watchandgethereverythingshewants，notwaitforhertoaskforanything，thenIcangooffdownstreetandmakelotsandlotsofmoney，Viny。Thinkofthat，lotsandlots!Thenwecanmove，andAuntSylviawillmaybegetwell。"
　　Caryl'sgrayeyeswereonlyathoughtlessbigthanthoseofhersmallblackaudience，whopresentlycaughttheinfectiousenthusiasmandemittedseverallustycrows。
　　"Jiminy——oh，IDIDN'Tsayit——Ididn't——Ididn't!OJiminy，I
　　didn't——Ididn't——OJimmy，I——"
　　"Stopsayingit，then，"exclaimedheryoungmistressdecidedly，andenforcingherwordsbyavigorousshake。
　　"Oh，Ididn't——Iwill——OJiminy!yes，Iwill!"criedthelittleblackdelinquent，thefulltideoforiginalsintakinganunfairadvantageofherexcitementtoengulfher。"Oh——er——
　　oh——er——r——"
　　Carylcametoherrescuebygivingheranewidea。
　　"Seehowsplendidyoucanbe，Vinydear，"shesaidkindly。"Youcanbesuchagoodlittlehelper，sothatpartofthenewhomewillbeofyourgetting；forInevercouldhavethechancetoearnanythingifyoudidn'ttakemyplaceandbeAuntSylvia'snurse。"
　　"Iknowhow，"saidViny，perfectlyovercomewiththegreatnessthrustuponher；"it'stoslipcricketsunderherfeettoputhertoesonter。I'llslip'emallday。An'it'stowipeherspecs，an'tosayyes，no，an'to——"
　　"Tobegood，"finishedCarylsolemnly；"thatcomprehendsthewholebusiness。"
　　"Tobegood，"repeatedthesmallnurseyetmoresolemnly，"an'tocompren'thewholebus'ness；Iwill。"
　　"Youarearidiculouschild，"criedCarylimpatiently；"Idon'treallysupposeyouarefittobetrusted，butthen，it'stheonlythingtotry。"
　　Viny，havingbeendulyelectedtooffice，consideredherhonorssettled，soshewaslittledisturbedbyanyopinionsthatmightbeheldconcerningher。Thereforeshesquattedandwriggledingreatdelight，grinningateverywordthatfellfromheryoungmistress'lips。
　　"Yousee，Viny，"Carylwassaying，beginningonherconfidence，"I'vegotanordertoteachthelittleGrantgirlshowtopaint，andifIcanrundowntheretwohourseverymorning，I'mtohavetwenty-fivedollars，andMadamGrantisgoingtogiveittomeinadvance；thatis，afterthefirstquarter。Think，Viny，TWENTY-FIVEdollars!That'swhatwewanttomovewithintoHeart'sDelight!"
　　Thiswastheupstairssouthwestcornerofalittlecottagethatforayearormorehadbeenthedesideratumoftheyounggirl'shighesthopesthathadtowearthemselvesoutinemptylongings，theinvalid'sscantyexchequeronlysufficingfordoctor'sbillsandsimilartwelvemonth，alongwithseveralotherbroken-downlodgerswhoseslendermeanscompelledthemtocallthisplace"home"——thisplacewhereneverabitofsunshineseemedtocome；
　　whereeventhebirdshatedtostopforasongastheyflewmerrilyoverthetree-tops。Andnowonder。Thetreeswerescraggy，loppyoldthingshangingdownindismalsweepovertheleakyroofanddampwalls。Theyhadtostay——thelodgers，butthebirdsandthesunshinetossedoffthewholeresponsibilityoflifeinsuchagloomyoldhome，andflittedtogayerquarters。
　　Butnow，whatifHeart'sDelightcouldreallybetheirs!
　　"Yergoin'tertell'emhowtopaintdemtingsyerdaub？"brokeinViny，andsnappingoffthisdelightfulthought。
　　"Youshouldn'tspeakso，child，"saidCarylwiththegreatestdignity；"it'sveryfinework，andyoucouldn'tpossiblyunderstandit。It'sart，Viny。"
　　"Ho，ho!"laughedthesmallblackfigure，nowiseimpressedandcrammingherstumpyfingersuptohermouthtokeepthelaughinasshesawheryoungmistress'displeasure。"It'sanawfulolddirtymuss，an'IwishIcoulddoit，"sheaddedunderherbreath。
　　"AndIshallbegintomorrow，"declaredCarylwithstillgreaterdignity，anddrawingherselftoherfullheight。"AuntSylviasaysshe'lltryyou。Nowyou'llbegood，won'tyou？"sheaddedanxiously。"It'sonlyfortwohoursaday，Viny。"
　　"I'llbegood，"declaredViny，"'strue'sIlivean'breeve。"
　　Meanwhilethedarkestofplansranriotinherlittleblackhead。
　　"Heart'sDelight——Heart'sDelight!"sangCaryl'shappyvoiceallthatday；andlikeSt。Patrick'spoorimprisonedsnake，shebegantofeelthatto-morrowwouldnevercome。
　　Buthourscomeandgo，andCarylawokethenextmorning，thebrightest，cheeriestmorningthatevercalledahappygirloutofbed。
　　"AuntSylviawon'thavemanymoredaysinthatdarklittleroomofhers，"shecriedtoherself，throwingonherclothesrapidly。
　　"Oh，dear，whereAREthepins？Ican'tbeartowaitaminuteanymorethanViny，whenIthinkofthatdearlovelynest，andthebay-window，andallthatsunshine。I'llalwayshaveitfullofflowers，andthebirdshallsingallthetime，and——and——and——"
　　Therestwaslostinadashofcoldwaterovertherosyface，andCarylsoonpresentedherselfatheraunt'sbedside。
　　"I'lldowellenoughwhileyouaregone，"saidheraunt，smilingupfromthepillowsintothebrightfaceabovehers。"Nowyou'renottoworryaboutmeintheleast，foryoucannotdojusticetoyourselfifyourmindistroubled。Remember，Caryl，andbethoroughinyoureffortstoteachyourlittlepupils。"
　　"AndMadamGrantisgoingtobuysomeofmypanelsandlittleplaques，Ialmostknow，"criedCaryl，bustlingaroundforheraunt'slongwoolenwrapperandherdayslippers，"forshetoldmesheshouldwanttoseethemsometime。Then，Auntie——oh，then!"
　　Theyounggirlinhereagernessclimbedupontheoldbedtolayherfreshyoungcheekagainstthepalethinone。Howshelongedtoputbrightnessintothepoorinvalid'slife!
　　"Remember，"saidAuntSylvialightly，tohidethetearsinhervoice，"yourfortune'stobemade。Onlybepromptandthorough，andputyourwholemindtoyourwork。Thatisthesecretofsuccess。"
　　"Iwill，Auntie，oh，IWILL!"criedCarylhappily，"andVinywilldowell，Iguess，"sheadded，thegleefultonesdroppingdownwithananxiousnote。
　　"Vinywillproveacapitallittlenurse，Iexpect，"saidMissSylviacheerfully；"nowthedaywon'twait，Caryl，sogetyouroldauntieup。"
　　"MyoldauntieisjustLOVELY，"criedthegirl，hoppingofffromthebed，andflyingaroundmerrily，wellpleasedatlastwhentheinvalidwasinherchair，toseealittlefaint，pinkcolorstealingupthewancheek。
　　"Thebestcap，AuntSylvia——thebestcap!"shecried，runningfortheonewiththefreshlavenderribbons。
　　"Whatanextravagantpuss!"exclaimedAuntSylvia，willingtohumorthegaylittleheart，andtappinghercheekastheyounggirlsettledthecaponthelovelygrayhair。
　　"Everythingmustbebestto-day，"criedCarylrecklessly。"It'sallfreshandnewandfine!Alltheworldismadejustforus。"
　　MaumPattysawCarylrundownthedirtylittlebrickpaththatservedforallthelodgersintheoldhouseasawalktothebroken-downgate，withhercolor-boxunderherarm，andherlittlerollofpicturesinherhand，andheavedasighfromheramplebosom。
　　"Datchilecan'tmakenofortin'likeshe'sa-tinkin'of，butlaws!lethertry。Here，yerViny，yer，beoffuptodeMissis'
　　room。Scatnow!Deporelettlelamb，"shemourned，asherhopefulgrandchildunwillinglydraggedherrecreantfeetofftoherduties，leavinghergrandmothertopursueherreflectionsinpeace，"itmos'bustsmyhearttoseehera-workin'an'deMissiskeepin'upan'pretendin'she'sasfineasaqueen。'Twarn'tsoinolePatty'sday。Dendarwosplenty-piesandturkeys。Lors，whatstumpers!An'hullbar'lso'flour，an'sugar，an'acreationsightofeberytingindebeyeutifulhouse，an'nowlookatdisoleshell!"
　　MaumPattytossedherturbaninintensescornateachofthedarksoot-begrimedwallsoftheplacecalledkitchen。
　　"Missisudfeelmorelikefolks，"shesaidateachdisdainfulscrutiny，"an'likeasnotgitwell，efwecudcutsticksinteranudderhome。EfdechileonlyCUDdoit!"
　　Shepeeredanxiouslydownthedirtylittlebrickwalkagain，thenfetchedastilllongersigh。
　　"Idon'tdarstto!"shedeclaredinamightyburstatlast。"I
　　don't，coswotudkeepusallfromthepore-'usden。It'severyspeckIkindoterkeepalongofdeMissan'Car'lan'takekeerof'emwi'doutacento'pay；Idon'tdarsttechmystockin'bagindebank。"
　　MaumPattyalwaysspokeofherscantysavingsdepositedintheneighboringbank，inthisway，fondlysupposingthemintheoriginalconditioninwhichtenyearsago，shehadtakenthemthereforfutureshieldagainstsicknessandoldage。
　　Meantimethelittleblacknursehadbegunherwork。
　　PeeringaroundMissSylvia'shalf-closeddoor，Vinyexclaimedtoherself，"Umph!shedon'twantme；guessshe'sa'readin'now。
　　I'llgitintoMissCa'srooman'tryonallherclo'esan'
　　pertendI'mmakin'calls，an'peekintereberysingleplacewharIkin，an'I'llbealady，an'darsha'n'tnoonescoldViny。"
　　"Viny，"calledMissSylvia'ssoftvoice，hearingarustleatthedoor。
　　"Dat'sJipshe'sa-talkin'ter，Ireckon，"saidViny，stealingoffonhertiptoesdownthehall，andstickingherfingersinherearsthatshemighthearnomoretroublesomeconsciencecalls；"I
　　seenhimonderugwhenIpeekedindecrack。Nowden——Whoop，saysI，WHOOP!"
　　ShewassafenowinCaryl'sroom，wherethefirstthingshedidwastoindulgeinaseriesofsomersaultsoverthefloor，andalso，forvariety，overtheneatlittlewhitebed。Theseaffordedherintensecomfort。Whenshecameupbrightandshiningafterthiscelebrationofherindependence，shedrewherselfupwithaseriousfaceandproceededatoncetosternbusiness。
　　"Twohoursain'tlong，"sheobservedwisely，"an'Imus'bebacksomeofdetime。Jiminy!she'sforgotdekeyagain!"Intruth，Carylinhergreatexcitementofhuntingforsomepicturespackedawayinherpreciousdrawer，hadforgottentopocketthekeythatprotectedherfewtreasures。
　　Ruthlessly，then，theywerepulledoutandoverhauled，whileVinyreveledineachnewdiscovery，chatteringsoftlytoherselfinglee。Shetiedonallthebrightbitsofribbonsshecouldlayherhandson，tothelittletinytailsadorningherhead。ShetwistedwithgreatdifficultyintoadelicatewhitespenserthatCaryl'smotherhadwornwhenagirl，savedforitstenderreminiscence，andforthesoft，fineoldlacethatwouldbeofusetotheyoungdaughterbyandby。Vinywasnowisedisturbedinherenjoymentatcertainominouscrackingsandcreakingsthatproclaimedthegivingwayofthedelicatematerial。Arrayedatlasttohersatisfaction，althoughthelacedidhangdowninsomeshredswhereherimpatientfingershadclutchedit，shewhirledandwhirledinfrontoftheold-fashionedglasswithmanygrimaces，tryingtheeffectofhernewcostume。
　　"Iwantsumfintoshine，"shesaidatlast，tiredofthis；"jew-
　　EL-leryan'stuns。Le'sseeefshe'sgotany。"
　　NowinonecornerofCaryl'sdrawerwasasmallblackbox；
　　unfortunately，thelockwasbrokeninchildhood，andtherehadbeennomoneytospareforrepairsofanythingofthatsort，soshehadtieditsecurelywiththestrongestoftwine，andwrittenonthecoverinbigschoolgirlhandthewords，"DON'TANYONE
　　DARETOTOUCH!"AlthoughVinywasunabletodecipherthewritingintheleast，itwasfunenoughtoattackthestring，whichpresentlysuccumbedtotheviolentonslaughtoftoothandnail，andtheprecious，preciousbitsofbrightnessweresoonatthemercyofthelittleblackfingers。
　　MaumPattywasdroningawayinthekitchensomeoldMethodisthymns。Vinywasdimlyconsciousofafaintcallfromtheinvalid'sroom，asshedrewoutintheutmostdelightanold-fashionedbroochwithagreencentrearoundwhichweresomelittlesparklingthings。
　　Shecouldn'tevensay"Jiminy!"butsimplyheldtheprettythingwhichseemedgladofitsfreedomfromsolitaryconfinement，andthusdelightedtosparklemorethaneverinitsresting-placeinthelittleblackhand。Withtremblingfingersshefasteneditintothecentreofthelacespenser，abovehernaughtylittlebosom，hurryingtotheglasstodoso，andhadjusttakenonelook，whenalowcryofdistressstruckuponherear。
　　Itfilledherwholesoulwithdismay，rootingherlikealittlefrozenthingtothespot。ItwasMissSylvia，sheknew。
　　Withonemightyeffortshetoreherselffromthespot，andrushedheadlongintothehall。"Oh——oh——OH!"camefromtheinvalid'sroom。
　　AtthatVinywrungherhandsandwrithedindiredistress。
　　"She'sa-dyin'!"shegasped，herkneesknockingtogetherinalivelymanner；"Idon'tdarsttolook——Idon't!——I'vekilledher!"Andthewholefloodofremorsesweepingherverysoul，sheturnedandscuttleddownthecrookedlittlestairsandintothestreet。
　　"Adoctor!"wasallherthought。SherememberedhearingCarylsayhelivedinabigbrownhousethathadlotsofflowersinthewindows。Butwhereuponthefaceoftheearththehousewassituated，Vinyknewnomorethanabird。However，shemustgethim，soshedashedblindlyon，turningthefirstcornertorunheadlongintothearmsofaportlyoldladywhowasplacidlyenjoyingthefreshairandsunshineatthesametimethatshedisplayedherrichstreetattire。
　　"Oh，mygoodness!"criedtheoldlady，startledoutofallfinespeechesbythecollision，andjumpinginfrighttotheextremeedgeofthecurbstone。Thenseeingthecause，shecriedinanger，"Youmiserable，dirtylittlethingyou，youvenearlykilledme!"
　　Attheword"killed，"Vinybegantodanceinterroronthesidewalk。"Iknowit，"shecried，"oh，dear，Iknowit!she'sdead，an'grandma'llbeatme。"
　　"Andifyoudon'tknowanybetter，"criedtheoldlady，vainlytryingtosettlehergraypuffsastheywerebefore，"thantorunintopeopleinthisway，I'llhaveyouarrested，Iwill!"
　　AtthisVinywascompletelyovercome。Herguiltyconsciencepicturedallsortsofpunishments；worse，farworse，than"grandma's"judgments，and，fallingonherknees，shegraspedtheoldlady'sblacksatingownandimploredformercy。
　　Theoldlady，nowherattentionwasdrawnofffromherownannoyance，settledhereyesonthebroochhalfconcealedbyafoldofthelittlelacespenser。
　　"Youwicked，badchild!"sheexclaimed，seizingherarmandpouncingonestifflyglovedhandonthesparklingbrooch；"you'vestolenthat!It'sbadenoughtoberunintobyadirtylittlethingfreshfromBedlam，withoutbeingwickedintothebargain。
　　That'sTOOmuch!"
　　Thelittleblackfigurebeingtoowretchedtohearthistirade，couldonlymumbleandwailandwrigglecloserandcloserintothefoldsoftherichgown。
　　"Getoutofmydress!"criedtheoldladyexcitedly。"Here，I'llcallthepolice；ifyoudon'tletgoofmethisinstant!Stop，I
　　say!Po-o-lice!"
　　Vinygaveoneviolentjerkthatbroughtheruptoherfeet，andwitheyesdistendedinterror，startedinwilddespairacrossthestreet。ApairofhandsomebayswerecomingintheirbeststepdownfromtheSquare，drawingacarriagefullofpeoplewhoseemedintheverybestofspirits。
　　"WHOA-A!"Aclick，arapidpull-upwithallThomas'sbeststrength，andthehorsesfellbackontheirhaunchesjustintimeforthelittlelithefiguretodartundertheirpawinghoofsandbesaved!Everybodyleanedoutofthecarriageforaglimpseofthechild。
　　"Why——why"——Ayounggirl'sfacepaled，whilethegrayeyesflashed，andwithonespringshewasoutandrushingafterthesmallflyingfigurewhoinherfrighthadturnedtofleetheotherway。
　　"Lookout，Caryl!"calledtheothersinthecarriageafterher。
　　"Oh，she'llbekilled，"moanedalittlegirlleaningoutasfarasshedaredoverthewheels。
　　"Andthenshecan'tevergetintotheprettynewhouse，"wailedanother。"Oh，whatshallwedo!Comeback，Bessie!"shecried，tuggingathersister'sskirts。"Grandmamma，makehercomeintothecarriage，Ican'tholdher!"
　　Butacrowdofpeoplesurginguparoundthematthismoment，tookoffallattentionfromBessieandeverybodyelsebutthelittlefugitiveandherkindpursuer。Carylmadeherwaythroughthecrowdwithflushedface，herlittlebrownhathangingbyitsstringsaroundherneck，pantinglydraggingafterherthelittleblackgirl。
　　"It'sourViny，"shesaid，"andsomethingisthematterwithAuntSylvia!Oh，MadamGrant!"
　　"Mypoorchild，"saidasweet-facedwoman，reachingoutakindarm，whilethechildrenseizedholdofCarylateveryavailablepoint，betweenthemdraggingherandherchargeintoshelter，"don'tbetroubled。Drivejustasfastasyoucan，Thomas，toNo。27，youknow，"shecommandedhurriedly。
　　ThenthefirstthingCaryldidwastoturnuponVinyandunhookthepreciousbroochasalowsobcamefromherwhitelips。"Ifithadbeenlost!"
　　Asofthandstoleunderthelittlebrowncloaktoclaspherown；
　　butMadamGrantsaidneveraword。Sheknewwhattheyounggirl'sheartwastoofullforspeech；thatthemother'sbroochwouldspeakmoretenderlythanevershecould，offorgivenesstothelittleignorantblackgirl。
　　ThechildrenwerealleyesatVinyandhercostume，buttheysaidneverawordwhileshehowledonsteadily，onlyejaculatinginanoccasionalgust，"OMissSylvy——MissSylvy!"
　　Caryl，whiteasasheet，rushedoutofthecarriageandintotheoldlodginghousetheinstantthehorsespausedbythebrokengate。MaumPattywassinginginthelittlekitchentherefrainsheneverindulgedinexceptinhermostcomplacentmoods。
　　Flingingwidethedoor，Carylpantedout，"Oh，whatisit!Tellmeatonce!"
　　"Lawks!"exclaimedMaumPatty，startledfromherpeacefulenjoyment，andturningsosuddenlyintheoldcalico-coveredchairthatshesentherspectaclesspinningintothemiddleofthefloor。"Massy，howyerlook!Tain'twurthit——don't!Hehain'tspile'tit；Istoppedhim，"sheaddedexultingly。
　　"Stoppedwhat？"echoedCarylinbewildereddistress。"Oh，dotellme!Is'ntAuntSylviasick？Tellme，MaumPatty，"shepleaded。Andshegraspedtheoldwoman'sarminanagonyofsuspense。
　　"Massy，no!"declaredMaumPattyinhermostcheerytones，"she'sbena-laughin'fittokillherself，an'Idon'twonder，forthelittlerascallookedascunnin'asanimp。ButIstoppedhimI
　　stoppedhim!"sheaddedtriumphantly。
　　Carylhadnostrengthtoaskfurther，nortostir。Thereactionwastoogreat，andsheleanedupagainstthedoorforsupport。
　　"Heshuckit，an'shuckit，"saidtheoldwoman，laughingimmoderately。"Laws，howheshuckit——datJipdid——yeraunt'sbeyeutifulcapwiththenewpuppelribbons!Yeseeittumbledoff；Idunnoweddershesneezed，orwotshedid，butanyway，ittumbledoffondeflo'，anddatlittlepisonscampjumpedupfromhisrugan'cotchedit，an'shea-callin'an'a-callin，fitverdie——I'llsnakedatVinyw'enIgetsher——Lawks，butIcouldn'thelpit!IlaughedtillIcriedtoseedatdogcarryon。
　　LuckilyIrunupjustwhenIdidtopaymy'specstodeMissis，for——Istoppedhim，Istoppedhim，"shebroughtherselfuptodeclare，wipinghereyes。
　　"Viny，"saidCaryl，inherlittleroom，anhourafter，wheneverythinghadbeenconfessedandforgiven；whenthedelightfulstoryhadallcomeout，howtheywerereallyandtrulytomovethatveryafternoon；howMadamGranthadpaidtherentinadvanceforthesunnyroomsinthelittlecottage，andtheywerejustdrivingaroundtosurpriseAuntSylviawhentheywitnessedViny'sescapade；howthecarriagewastocomebeforeverylongtotakedearAuntSylviatoherlonged-forrefuge；howthepriceofthelessonswastogofornewfurniture；howeverythingfortherestoftheirliveswastobecheery，winsome，andbrighttotheverylastdegree——whenitwasallfinished，Caryllookedkindlydownintothesorrylittleblackface——"Yes，Viny，"shesaidwiththehappiestlittlelaugh，"Ishallhavetoforgiveyou，forit'sthelastnaughtythingthatyouwilleverdointheoldhome。"
　　MARGARETSIDNEY。
　　OleKingColeWasamerryoldsoul，Andamerryoldsoulwashe；
　　Hecalledforhispipe，Andhecalledforhisbowl，Andhecalledforhisfiddlersthree。
　　"DingDongbell!Pussy'sinthewell!"
　　"Whoputherin？''
　　"LittleTommyGreen。''
　　"Whopulledherout？''
　　"BigJackStout。''
　　"Whatanaughtyactwasthat，TodrownpoorPussyCat!''
　　OURTWOOPINIONS。
　　Ustwowuzboyswhenwefellout——
　　Nightotheageuvmyyoungestnow；
　　Don'trec'lectwhatt'wuzabout，Somesmalldeef'rence，I'llallow；
　　Livednextneighborstwentyyears，A-hatin'eachother，me'ndJim，——
　　Hehavin'hisopinyinuvme，'NdIhavin'myopinyinuvhim。
　　Grewuptogether'ndwouldn'tspeak，Courtedsisters'ndmarried'em，too；
　　'Tendedsamemeetin'houseonctaweek，A-hatin'eachotherthrough'ndthrough!
　　ButwhenAbeLinkernaskedtheWestF'rsoldiers，weanswered——me'ndJim——
　　Hehavin'hisopinyinuvme，'NdIhavin'myopinyinuvhim。
　　ButdowninTennesseeonenightTherewuzsoundsuvfirin'faraway，'NdtheSergeantallowedther'dbeafightWiththeJohnnieRebssometimenex'day；
　　'NdasIwuzthinkin'ofLizzie'ndhome，Jimstoodaforeme，longandslim——
　　Hehavin'hisopinyinuvme，'NdIhavin'myopinyinuvhim。
　　Seemedlikeweknewtherwuzgoin'tobeSerioustroublef'rmeandhim；
　　Ustwoshuckhands，didJim'ndme。
　　ButnearerawordfrommeorJim!
　　Hewenthisway，'ndIwentmine，'Ndintothebattle'sroarwentwe——
　　Ihavin'myopinyinuvJim，'Ndhehavin'hisopinyinuvme。
　　Jimnevercamebackfromthewaragain，ButIhaintforgotthatlast，lastnight，When，waitin'furorders，ustwomenMadeup，'ndshookhandsaforethefight'Ndafteritall，itssoothin'toknowThatherebeI，'ndyonder'sJim——
　　Hehavin'hisopinyinuvme，'NdIhavin'myopinionuvhim。