第4章
""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。