quite seriously, "there's my catechism, and the little chalk angel,
and--"

"The little chalk angel!" repeated Abby, scornfully. "Why, that has
lost its head!"

"But it's a little chalk angel all the same," argued Larry. "And if I
find the head, it can be glued on."

"Oh--well; we don't want any trash like that on our altar!" rejoined
his sister. "And the books and rosary can be kept on the shelf in the
corner. It would be nice to have the vase, though."

Larry, who at first had been rather offended that his offerings were
not appreciated, brightened up when he found he could at least furnish
something to adorn the shrine.

The following day was Saturday. There was, of course, no school, and
Abby was free to help her mother to get the little room in order. She
was impatient to begin. But alas for her plans! About nine o'clock in
the morning Mrs. Clayton suddenly received word that grandma was not
feeling well, and she at once prepared to visit the dear old lady.

"I may be away the greater part of the day, Delia," she said, as she
tied the strings of her bonnet; "but I have given you all necessary
directions, I think,--Larry, do not go off with any of the boys, but
you may play in the park as usual.--And, Abby, be sure that you do not
keep Miss Remick waiting when she comes to give you your music lesson."

"But what about the altary--oh, oratory I mean?" asked Abby, dejectedly.