Mrs. Merrill said that she might, so a very happy Mary Jane finished her
lunch and hurried upstairs to lie down for fifteen minutes in a dark room.

When the time was up Mrs. Merrill came to her door and asked, "Did you see
anything of my butterfly pin when you cleared off my dresser yesterday
morning, Mary Jane?"

"No-o-o, I didn't," said Mary Jane thoughtfully.

"That's funny," replied Mrs. Merrill, "I was sure it was there! Of course
I should have put it where it belongs but I can't see where it could get
to--I know Amanda wouldn't take it and you would have remembered, wouldn't
you, if you had put it anywhere?"

"Yes, mother, I'm sure I would," said Mary Jane positively. "I know I
didn't touch it, I didn't even see it once!"

"Well, I've hunted everywhere I can think of so I guess it's gone and I
would rather lose anything I have than lose that pin! Just see how big
ladies get punished when they are careless! I didn't put my pin away where
it belonged and now it is gone. But don't you feel too badly, dear," she
added when she saw how sorry Mary Jane felt for her; "it's time for us to
dress for our calls."

So Mary Jane quickly forgot about her mother's loss. She scrubbed her hands
and put on her own shoes and made herself all ready for her mother to brush
her hair and slip on the new pink dress. Then the very last thing, the hat
with the pink rosebuds was put on and they started out.

Such a good time as they did have! Two ladies they called on, and one must