"Bless the Lord!" cried Mrs. Pepper, "now he's going to live!"

"But he mustn't eat," protested Mrs. Beebe, in great alarm, trotting
for the cup of gruel. "Here, you pretty creeter you, here's
something nice." And she temptingly held the spoon over Joel's
mouth; but with a grimace he turned away.

"Oh, I want something to eat! some gingerbread or some bread and
butter."

"Dear me!" ejaculated Mrs. Beebe. "Gingerbread!" Poor Mrs.
Pepper saw the hardest part of her trouble now before her, as she
realized that the returning appetite must be fed only on
strengthening food; for where it was to come from she couldn't
tell.

"The Lord only knows where we'll get it," she groaned within
herself.

Yes, He knew. A rap at the door, and little David ran down to find
the cause.

"Oh, mammy," he said, "Mrs. Henderson sent it--see! see!" And in
the greatest excitement he placed in her lap a basket that smelt
savory and nice even before it was opened. When it was opened,
there lay a little bird delicately roasted, and folded in a clean
napkin; also a glass of jelly, crimson and clear.

"Oh, Joey," cried Mrs. Pepper, almost overwhelmed with joy, "see