that little brain of yours, because it's almost ready to jump out of
your eye-windows!" Molly gave a little hop--she seldom walked--and
caught the aged hand in both of hers. "I'll tell you, Miss Plunkett,
but you musn't tell anybody, will you?"

"I'll try to keep it a secret, Molly."

"Well, what do you s'pose Hester looks like?"

"Now, Molly! You wouldn't make fun of good old Hester, would you?"

"But I'm not making fun, Miss Prue, indeed and indeedy I'm not, only she
_does!_"

"Well, like what, Molly?"

By this time they had reached the dining-room, and Molly drew her behind
its door, to whisper mysteriously,--

"She looks just like Rocky Point when there's a high wind. Then the rock
stands up there black and big and square, just as Hester does; and her
muslin turban is the spray up over the top of it, don't you see?"

Miss Prue nodded comprehensively, for the resemblance of the tall,
straight negress to that bold headland was something she could recognize
herself, now it was brought to her notice.

"I think you're right, dear; but come, our supper is waiting. Pray
excuse me, Sara, for keeping you and Morton standing here; this little
lady-bird and I have been exchanging confidences behind the door!"