nuts to me, and really that fearfully spelled note has a bit of
sincerity in it. I must tell John Atherton about it. I'll keep the
note, and show it to him."

Often she paused to take the note from its retreat behind the clock,
read it, and replace it. She looked from the window whenever she passed
it, but not a glimpse of Gyp did she obtain.

She could not imagine what had caused the little imp to leave his gift
of nuts at her door, or yet more wonderful, what had prompted him to
write his friendly little note. Its outrageous spelling was droll, but
its kindly spirit was evident. He had attended school because he was
compelled to, but he had paid but little attention to his books.

The note had kept him busy for fully a half hour, and he considered
it a fine specimen of letter writing when it was completed.

He thought that few boys could have done better, and he felt that in
writing it, he had literally "covered himself with glory."




CHAPTER VII

AUNT JUDITH'S PARTY


The flowered chintz draperies hung at the windows, the pink roses, and
green leaves on its shiny surface looked fairly gaudy. The candles