hurt her." But Phronsie fell into a delicious sleep after that, and
didn't want any more, luckily.

"Here, Joe," said Mrs. Pepper, the next morning, "take this coat up
to Mr. Peterses; and be sure you get the money for it."

"How'll I get it?" asked Joe, who didn't relish the long, hot walk.

"Why, tell 'em we're sick--Ben's sick," added Mrs. Pepper, as the
most decisive thing; "and we must have it; and then wait for it."

"Tisn't pleasant up at the Peterses," grumbled Joel, taking the
parcel and moving slowly off.

"No, no, Polly," said Mrs. Pepper, "you needn't do that," seeing
Polly take up some sewing after doing up the room and finishing
the semi-weekly bake; "you're all beat out with that tussle over the
stove; that sack'll have to go till next week."

"It can't, mammy," said Polly, snipping off a basting thread; "we've
got to have the money; how much'll he give you for it?"

"Thirty cents," replied Mrs. Pepper.

"Well," said Poily, "we've got to get all the thirty centses we can,
mammy dear; and I know I can do it, truly--try me once," she
implored.

"Well." Mrs. Pepper relented, slowly.