"You do spoil those hens, Melody," said Miss Vesta, with an
affectionate grumble. "Do you suppose they'll eat any better for being
talked to and sung to as if they were persons?"

"Poor dears!" said the child; "they ought to be happy while they do
live, oughtn't they, Auntie? Is it time to make the cake now, Aunt
Vesta, or shall I get my knitting, and sing to Auntie Joy a little?"

At that moment a clear whistle was heard outside the house. "The
doctor!" cried Melody, her sightless face lighting up with a flash of
joy. "I must go," and she ran quickly out to the gate.

"Now he'll carry her off," said Miss Vesta, "and we sha'n't see her
again till dinner-time. You'd think she was his child, not ours. But
so it is, in this world."

"What has crossed you this morning, Sister?" asked Miss Rejoice,
mildly. "You seem put about."

"Oh, the cat got into the tea-kettle." replied the elder sister.
"Don't fret your blessed self if I am cross. I can't stand Martha
Penny, that's all,--speaking so to that blessed child! I wish I had
her here; she'd soon find out whether she had a nose or not. Dear
knows it's long enough! It isn't the first time I've had four parts of
a mind to pull it for her."

"Why, Vesta Dale, how you do talk!" said Miss Rejoice, and then they
both laughed, and Miss Vesta went out to scold the doctor.