Jasper looked into his father's eyes, and they both laughed.

"And if you, Polly Pepper, don't keep things bright, why, we shall all
go to the dogs," said the old gentleman, sobering down. "So mind you do,
and we'll try to bear Cousin Algernon's relict."

"I will," said Polly stoutly, though "relict" sounded very dreadful to
begin with.

"Give us your hand, then," said Jasper's father, putting out his palm.
"There!" releasing it, "now I'm much more comfortable about matters."

"And give me your hand, Polly," cried Jasper, his own brown hand flying
to meet hers. "There! and now I'm comfortable too! So it's a compact,
and a sure one!"

"And I want to give my hand," cried Phronsie, very much aggrieved.
"Here, Jasper."

"Bless my soul, so you must!" cried old Mr. King; "to think we didn't
ask you first. There--and there!"

"And, Phronsie darling," cried Polly in a rapture, "you must promise
with me, after you have with the others. I couldn't ever get along in
all this world without that."

So the ceremony of sealing the compact having been observed with great
gravity, Phronsie drew a long breath, and now felt that the "poor lady"
might come down at any time to find all things prepared for her.