But whether "mother would like it," or not, Jenny did not stop to
think, and going towards Mary she said, "Have you come to play in the
woods?"

"No," was Mary's reply. "I came to call the folks to dinner."

"Oh, that was you that screamed so loud. I couldn't think who it was,
but it can't be dinner time?"

"Yes 'tis; it's noon."

"Well we don't have dinner until two, and we can stay here till that
time. Won't you play with us?"

"No, I can't, I must go back and work," said Mary.

"Work!" repeated Jenny. "I think it's bad enough to have to live in
that old house without working, but come and see our fish-pond;" and
taking Mary's hand, she led her to a wide part of the stream where the
water had been dammed up until it was nearly two feet deep and clear
as crystal. Looking in, Mary could see the pebbles on the bottom,
while a fish occasionally darted out and then disappeared.

"I made this almost all myself," said Jenny. "Henry wouldn't help me
because he's so ugly, and Rose was afraid of blacking her fingers. But
I don't care Mother says I'm a great,--great,--I've forgotten the
word, but it means dirty and careless, and I guess I do look like a
fright, don't I?"

Mary now for the first time noticed the appearance of her companion,