Ben--nor Joe--nor--nor Davie--I guess," she added, hesitatingly,
for Davie was the delicate one of the family; at least not nearly so
strong as the others.

Mrs. Pepper looked at her anxiously; but Polly seemed as bright
and healthy as ever, as she jumped up and ran to put the kettle on
the stove.

"What'll the boys say, I wonder!" she thought to herself, feeling
quite important that they really had sickness in the house. As long
as Phronsie wasn't dangerous, it seemed quite like rich folks; and
she forgot the toil, and the grind of poverty. She looked out from
time to time as she passed the window, but no boys came.

"I'll put her in bed, Polly," said Mrs. Pepper, in a whisper, as
Phronsie closed her eyes and breathed regularly.

"And then will you have your dinner, ma?"

"Yes," said Mrs. Pepper, "I don't care--if the boys come."

"The boys'll never come," said Polly, impatiently; "I don't
believe--why! here they are now!"

"Oh, dear," said Joel, coming in crossly, "I'm so hungry--oh--
butter! where'd you get it? I thought we never should get here!"

"I thought so too," said Polly. "Hush! why, where's Ben?"

"He's just back," began Joel, commencing to eat, "and Davie;