say to yer not bringin' the milk home just as ye got it from the store,
an' to ye givin' a poor creature like me a drink out of the can?"

"Oh, she wouldn't care!" replied Tom. "Didn't she say you were welcome
at the house any time, to have a cup of tea and get warm by the kitchen
fire? Do you think she'd grudge you a sup of milk?"

"It isn't that; for I know she wouldn't, God bless her!" said the
apple-woman, heartily. "Still, asthore, take heed of what I say.
Never meddle with what's trusted to ye, but carry it safe an' whole to
the person it's meant for, or the place ye are told to fetch it to.
It's the best plan, dear."

"I suppose it is, Missis Barry, generally," agreed Tom. "I remember
once Ed Brown and I made away with half of a big package of raisins
that mother sent me for, and she scolded me about it. But that was
different, you know. Pshaw! I didn't mean to tell you it was Ed.
Here we are at your door, ma'am. I'll put your things inside--oh, no!
Never mind. I was glad to come. Really I oughtn't to take it. Well,
thank you. Good-bye!"

And Tom scampered off with an especially toothsome-looking apple, which
the woman forced into his hand.

"Ah, but he's the dear, blithe, generous-hearted b'y!" she exclaimed,
with a warmth of affectionate admiration, as she stood looking after
him. "There's not a bit of worldly pride or meanness about him. May
the Lord keep him so! The only thing I'd be afraid of is that, like
many such, he'd be easily led. There's that Ed Brown now,--Heaven
forgive me, but somehow I don't like that lad. Though he's the son of