Glenloch Girls

er and almost Christmas. Ruth was absorbed in the tying of a gorgeous lavender bow which was to adorn a sweet-grass basket standing on the table near her. So intent was she on her work

e you," and Ruth's glance swept the table and bed to se

ng things to me, for I'm tired and cross." Charlotte stretched herself on the rug and even laid her

ently, as she held the basket out at arm'

orted, and one of the twins has the earache. To crown it ail, Melina, who is usually cheerful, is going around the kitchen looking as though she'd lost her last friend, and I actually haven't had the coura

onged to help but didn't know how. "I'm sure I think

o be the victim this time, but if it hadn't been you it would have been Mrs. Hamilton, or Betty." Charlotte's voice quavered, and there was a long silence while she s

l my woes to you occasionally. After I've really been in the dumps I'm the most courageous thing you ever saw, an

don't you just

uld say not. I

red at Charlotte. That any sane girl sh

said soberly, "but I love it and I'm going to have as

rying to squeeze out a little more money to give us a good time, and doesn't see how he possibly can. As for me, I'm so hopelessly in d

I've missed giving sometimes when I should have given, if that's the way of it. I love to

o think of it, I know, but it wouldn't seem quite so

hings?" asked R

erials? And I do all the sewing I can possibly make up my mind to in helping

ntly trying to go to sleep, and Ruth's forehead puckered i

"I didn't mean to come over here and tell a tale of woe about not havin

ool with a clatter as she got up from her chair. "Oh, Charlott

ms about her. Charlotte, who was most undemonstrative, was vaguely comforted

n't you let me give you your present now, and give it to you in money, so that you may have the fun of using it before Christmas? Oh, oh, don't you dare say a w

pleasure you'd be gi

people what they rea

re won't a soul know

ave a secret w

but I really couldn't," she said at last decidedly. "They wouldn't be my presents if I used your mon

ve it to you to use just as you please, and what's the good of hav

Ruth's mixed-up sentences. Ruth thought this was a good sign a

to do it? But I'm just selfish enough to try to tease you into it beca

looking at her with mischievous pleading, Charlotte found

ture. "Oh, Charlotte, you're a darling,

mured Charlotte, as Ruth released her after a

harlotte, I don't want to hurry you, but your hour is up, and I think you'd bett

y and held out her a

into the pocket of wh

y thing," she said. "Y

ack on my

u go into Boston with me to-morrow and do some shoppin

and gripped Ruth's hand. "You're a trump, Ruth, and you've helped me lots," she sai

an any other present I'm giving. We'll

as to go immediately and make Ruth take it back. She half turned, and waited irresolutely until the cold sting of the rain forced her to realize that the middle of the street was no

up-stairs sitting-room where the children were. "You're an angel of peace, Cousin Josie," said Charlo

a was one of those rare maids-of-all-work whose services cannot be estimated, nor can they be paid for in mere money. Coming into the family when Charlot

r was making such a noise that at first she didn't hear Charlotte, and the latter had time to wonder whether it wouldn't be better to steal away softly and

aid huskily. "I guess I was just

the delicacy of the situation, and hated to pry

dren. My, but these are good! Who was it in your family used to like them so much? Oh, I

t to see two great tears rolling slowly down her cheeks. "Oh, Melina, is h

If anything he's a

you want to tell me? Perhaps f

t's one of those new-fangled beds so that he can be wheeled around, and the end raises so that he can sit up a little. He's counting on it so that I can't bear to disappoint him. All I need is

t, but I'm afraid mother hasn't five dollars she

ness principles were founded on a rock. "Your father paid me

me over the girl. She was back in a moment, hiding both hands behind her as she came into the kitchen. Her eyes were sparkli

a little girl and I used to beg you over and over again to

ersuasive that she couldn't resist, and murmuring

It's mine to do just what I please with," she cried exultantly,

t out to Charlotte again. "I can't take your money," she said. "I

ad won her over. "But, Melina, it's a favor to me. You've always b

tled Melina and fell forever in her own estimation by bursting into sobs. "For the land's sake, child, don't do that," ejaculated Meli

s up to it, and Charlotte's rending sobs drove poor Melina to the verge of distraction. At

na's shoulder and cry all you want to," and she held h

at last, getting up and trying hard to keep back the persistent tears. "I do want tha

thin lips

oan. I must say, though, that I think you took an unfair advantage

't call it a loan, for I never want to see it again. Keep it till you find some one who needs it as much as you do just now, and the

elina as Charlotte disappeared, "