"Now you're telling a hint," exclaimed Dotty, making a dash at a turnip.
"I know what you mean by your monkeys and things; you want to get me
away. It's not polite to tell hints, Norah; my mamma says so."

But as Dotty began to see that she really was not wanted, she concluded
to go, though she must have it seem that she went of her own accord, and
not because of Norah's "hints."

"Did you think it was a buggler, when I opened the cellar-door last
night, Norah?"

"No; I can't say as I did--not when I looked at you," replied
Norah, gravely.

"'Cause I'm going into the parlor to ask mother if _she_ thought I was a
buggler. I believe I won't help you any more now, Norah; p'rhaps I'll
come out by and by."

So Dotty skipped away; but it never occurred to her that she had been
troublesome. She merely thought it very strange Norah did not appreciate
her services.

"I s'pose she knows mother'll help her if I don't," said she to herself.

Dotty's goodness ran on with a ceaseless flow till two o'clock, when that
event took place which the children regarded as the most important one of
the day--that is, dinner.

After the silent blessing, Mr. Parlin turned to his youngest daughter,
and said,--