"No, I'm not sick," cried Joel, in the greatest alarm, fearful his
mother meant to take back the promise; "I've never been sick. Oh,
mammy! you know you'll let me go, won't your?"

"I guess so," laughed his mother.

"Come on, Fhron," cried Joel, giving her a whirl.

David, who was too tired for active sport, sat on the floor and
watched them frolic in great delight.

"Mammy," said he, edging up to her side as the sport went on, "do
you know, I think it's just good--it's--oh, it's so frisky since Joe got
well, isn't it, mammy?"

"Yes, indeed," said Mrs. Pepper, giving him a radiant look in
return for his; "and when Polly's around again with her two eyes all
right--well, I don't know what we shall do, I declare!"

"Boo!" cried a voice, next morning, close to Polly's elbow,
unmistakably Joel's.

"Oh, Joel Pepper!" she cried, whirling around, "is that really you!"

"Yes," cried that individual, confidently, "it's I; oh, I say, Polly, I've
had fun up-stairs, I tell you what!"

"Poor boy!" said Polly, compassionately.

"I wasn't a poor boy," cried Joel, indignantly; "I had splendid