regarding her gravely. "Ever, Polly?"

"O dear me, yes," said Polly, twitching up her head again, and
picking up the needle and thread. "And I'm a bad, naughty girl,
Phronsie, to fret," she added, her ill-humor flying. "There, now
you've concluded to go in, have you?" this to the eye of the
needle.

"You're never bad, Polly," said Phronsie, taking up Seraphina
once more, feeling that everything was right, as she had seen
Polly smile, and beginning to tie on a remarkable bonnet upside
down.

"Yes I am, Pet, often and often," said Polly, with very red
cheeks, "and I ought to be put in the corner."

"Oh, Polly,--put in the corner!" cried Phronsie, in a tone of
horror. "Why, you couldn't be. You're Polly!"

"Well, I need it," said Polly, shaking her brown head, while the
needle flew in and out merrily. Suddenly she laid it down. "I
must go out and tell Joel I'm sorry. I was cross to him. I'll be
back in a minute," and she sped off.

When she came back she looked very sober.

"They've gone down to the brook, I suppose," glancing at the
clock. "Well, I'll tell Joe just as soon as he gets home," and
slipping into the big chair again, she set to work, and
presently the old kitchen was very quiet, except for the little