"Yes 'm, I found it that time. I was looking for a string," he said;
"but I should have found it anyhow in a day or two, even if you hadn't
let sugar crumbs fall on the shelf, Aunt Ann!"

"I believe you, you terrible boy!" she rejoined. "Now go call the
company to tea."

And she did believe him, and would have given up the struggle from that
day, convinced that the fates were against her, but for her heroic
resolve to instill straightway into this young gentleman with his pa's
appetite the good principles of _her_ side of the family.




UNDER THE LILACS.

BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.



CHAPTER IX.

A HAPPY TEA.


Exactly five minutes before six the party arrived in great state, for
Bab and Betty wore their best frocks and hair-ribbons, Ben had a new
blue shirt and his shoes on as full-dress, and Sancho's curls were