UNDER THE LILACS.

BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.


CHAPTER VII.

NEW FRIENDS TROT IN.


Next day Ben ran off to his work with Quackenbos's "Elementary History
of the United States" in his pocket, and the Squire's cows had ample
time to breakfast on wayside grass before they were put into their
pasture. Even then the pleasant lesson was not ended, for Ben had an
errand to town, and all the way he read busily, tumbling over the hard
words, and leaving bits which he did not understand to be explained at
night by Bab.

At "The First Settlements" he had to stop, for the school-house was
reached and the book must be returned. The maple-tree closet was easily
found, and a little surprise hidden under the flat stone; for Ben paid
two sticks of red and white candy for the privilege of taking books
from the new library.

When recess came great was the rejoicing of the children over their
unexpected treat, for Mrs. Moss had few pennies to spare for sweets,