"Well, this is for me, and for some one else too," said Randy, looking
earnestly up into his kind, dark eyes.

"And Jotham," she continued eagerly, "you must not mind if I don't tell
you _all_ about it, 'tis truly a good reason why I can't."

"I'll do whatever you wish, Randy," was the reply, "and I won't ask a
question."

"Oh, here's Prue coming," said Randy, "and she mustn't hear about it. You
meet me at Barnes' store about four o'clock this afternoon and I'll tell
you then what I wish you to do."

"All right," said Jotham, "I'll be there on time, you may be sure of
that."

"O, Randy," cried little Prue, "what you tellin' Jotham? Tell me too."

"See here, Prue," said Jotham with as serious an expression as he could
assume, "I was just telling Randy that I should be at Barnes' store at
four o'clock."

"Oh, was that all?" said Prue, "I thought 'twas something great," and her
look of disgust at finding the conversation to be upon so ordinary a topic
made both Randy and Jotham laugh heartily.

"Well I don't see why you laugh," said Prue, "'twon't be funny to be going
down to the store this hot afternoon. I'd rather stay at home with my
Tabby cat, and fan her to keep her cool."