"I haven't," said Joel, coming in in hopes that grandma had a stray
peppermint or two in her pocket, as she sometimes did; "and I'm
not going to, either."

"Oh, dear," groaned his mother; "that's what Polly said; and she's
got 'em bad. It's her eyes," she screamed to grandma, who looked
inquiringly.

"Her eyes, is it?" asked Mrs. Bascom; "well, I've got a receet that
cousin Samanthy's folks had when John's children had 'em; and I'll
run right along home and get it," and she started to go.

"No, you needn't," screamed Mrs. Pepper; "thank you, Mrs.
Bascom; but Dr. Fisher's been here; and he put something on
Polly's eyes; and he said it mustn't be touched."

"Hey?" said the old lady; so Mrs. Pepper had to go all over it again,
till at last she made her understand that Polly's eyes were taken
care of, and they must wait for time to do the rest.

"You come along of me," whispered grandma, when at last her call
was done, to Joel who stood by the door. "I've got some
peppermints to home; I forgot to bring 'em."

"Yes'm," said Joel, brightening up.

"Where you going, Joe?" asked Mrs. Pepper, seeing him move off
with Mrs. Bascom; "I may want you."

"Oh, I've got to go over to grandma's," said Joel briskly; "she wants