mightily pleased with it. It delighted her to turn up her hair; and she
was very particular about having her dresses made to come below the tops
of her boots. She had also left off ruffles, and wore narrow collars
instead, and little cuffs with sleeve-buttons to fasten them. These
sleeve-buttons, which were a present from Cousin Helen, Clover liked
best of all her things. Papa said that he was sure she took them to bed
with her, but of course that was only a joke, though she certainly was
never seen without them in the daytime. She glanced frequently at these
beloved buttons as she sat sewing, and every now and then laid down her
work to twist them into a better position, or give them an affectionate
pat with her forefinger.

Pretty soon the side-gate swung open, and Philly came round the corner
of the house. He had grown into a big boy. All his pretty baby curls
were cut off, and his frocks had given place to jacket and trousers. In
his hand he held something. What, Clover could not see.

"What's that?" she said, as he reached the steps.

"I'm going up stairs to ask Katy if these are ripe," replied Phil,
exhibiting some currants faintly streaked with red.

"Why, of course they're not ripe!" said Clover, putting one into her
mouth. "Can't you tell by the taste? They're as green as can be."

"I don't care, if Katy says they're ripe I shall eat 'em," answered
Phil, defiantly, marching into the house.

"What did Philly want?" asked Elsie, opening the parlor door as Phil
went up stairs.