could not even guess.

But as some other Widow Perkins may read this story we will for her
benefit repeat what the young man was saying to Lydia Knight, who
being nearest to him was the first one addressed.

"You have a nice place for your school-house and play-grounds."

"Yes, sir," answered Lydia, twirling her sun-bonnet and taking up a
small round stone between her naked toes.

"Do you like to go to school?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have you a good teacher?"

"Yes, sir."

"What is her name?"

"Miss Howard,--Mary Howard, and she lives with Miss Mason."

"Mary Howard,--that's a pretty name,--is she pretty too?"

"Not so dreadful," chimed in Susan Bradley. "She licked brother Tim
to-day, and I don't think she's much pretty."

This speech quickly called out the opinion of the other girls as
follows: