a burnt-offering, but when she saw the frizzled locks of the others,
her pride conquered her fear, and, holding tight to Billy's hand,
she bent her chubby head to the trying ordeal.

"Now, Billy, you run over to Mrs. Eichorn's an' ast her to loan me
her black crepe veil. Mrs. Krasmier borrowed it yesterday to wear to
her pa's funeral, but I guess she's sent it back by this time. An',
Billy--Billy, wait a minute; you be sure to tell 'em we are goin'
to the show." Mrs. Wiggs vigorously brushed her hair with the
clothes-brush as she spoke. Australia had thrown the hair-brush down
the cistern the summer before.

"Asia, you go git the alpaca from behind the chest, an' sorter shake
it out on the bed."

"Who's goin' to wear it, ma?" The question came in anxious tones,
for the blue alpaca had been sent them in a bundle of old clothes,
and though it failed to fit either of the girls, the wearing of it
was a much coveted privilege.

"Well, now, I don't know," said Mrs. Wiggs, critically surveying the
children; "it won't button good on you, and swags in the back on
Australia."

"Lemme wear it, ma!"

"No, lemme!" came in excited tones.

Mrs. Wiggs had seen trouble before over the blue alpaca; she knew
what anguish her decision must bring to one or the other.