received an invitation to spend a night in town with a little girl
named Laura Corner. The Davenports and the Corners had been friends in
the North before the two families moved South.

Beth had never before spent a night away from home. She thought it
would be a "sperience" to go, and prevailed upon Mrs. Davenport to let
her accept the invitation.

The momentous day arrived at last. Beth wished to take all her
belongings with her, from Fritz to a small trunk. She had to be
content, however, with a valise.

Fritz and Arabella were admonished to be good during her absence, and
the chickens were entrusted to Marian's care.

Mrs. Davenport drove Beth to town. Upon reaching the Corners' home,
Beth's heart sank unaccountably, and she had a hard time to keep the
tears back, when she kissed her mother good-bye. However, Laura and
the Corners were so very cordial that her spirits soon revived.

In the afternoon several little girls, who had been invited to play,
came in. Among the number was one who especially attracted Beth. She
was slight and graceful. Her hair was golden and her eyes were blue.
Beth, of course, was introduced to all the girls, but did not catch the
name of this one.

"She looks like that picture of the cherub we have at home," decided
Beth. "I wonder what her name is. I guess I'll call her 'Cherub' to
myself. Cherub, you're very pretty, but you're too quiet to be much
fun."