ladies, which she was entertaining "But you'll see, she won't keep her
time more'n half out.--Sally Ann, pass them nutcakes.--Nobody's goin'
to send their children to a pauper. There's Miss Bradley says she'll
take her'n out the first time they get licked.--Have some more sass,
Miss Dodge. I want it eat up, for I believe it's a workin',--but I
telled her that warn't the trouble; Mary's too softly to hurt a
miskeeter. And so young too. It's government she'll lack in.--If any
body'll have a piece of this dried apple pie, I'll cut it."

Of course, nobody wanted a piece, and one of the ladies, continuing
the conversation, said she supposed Mary would of course board with
Mrs. Mason. The tea-pot lid, which chanced to be off, went on with a
jerk, and with the air of a much injured woman the widow replied:
"Wall, I can tell her this much, it's no desirable job to board the
school-marm, though any body can see that's all made her so anxious
for Mary to have the school. She's short on't, and wants a little
money. Do any on you know how much she charges?"

Nobody knew, but a good many "guessed she didn't charge any thing,"
and the widow, rising from the table and telling Sally Ann to "rense
the sass dishes, and pour it in the vinegar bottle," led her guests
back to the best room, saying, "a dollar and ninepence (her usual
price) was next to nothing, but she'd warrant Miss Mason had more'n
that"

Fortunately, Mary knew nothing of Mrs. Perkins's displeasure, and
never dreamed that any feeling existed towards her, save that of
perfect friendship. Since we last saw her, she had grown into a fine,
healthy-looking girl. Her face and figure were round and full, and her
complexion, though still rather pale, was clear as marble, contrasting