d I took it to
make kites with."

"Oh dear," groaned Polly; "I don't know what we shall do; unless," as a
bright thought struck her, "you let me have the kites, boys."

"Can't," said Joel; "they're all flew away; and torn up."

"Well, now, children," said Polly, turning round impressively upon them,
the effect of which was heightened by the extremely crocky appearance
she had gained in her explorations, "we must have some paper, or
something to stop up that old hole with--some way, there!"

"I know," said little Davie, "where we'll get it; it's upstairs;" and
without another word he flew out of the room, and in another minute he
put into Polly's hand an old leather boot-top, one of his most treasured
possessions. "You can chip it," he said, "real fine, and then 'twill go
in."

"So we can," said Polly; "and you're a real good boy, Davie, to give it;
that's a splendid present to help celebrate for mamsie!"

"I'd a-given a boot-top," said Joel, looking grimly at the precious bit
of leather which Polly was rapidly stripping into little bits, "if I'd
a-hed it; I don't have anything!"

"I know you would, Joey," said Polly, kindly; "there now, you'll stay,
I guess!" as with the united efforts of the two boys, cheered on by
Phronsie's enthusiastic little crow of delight, the leather was crowded
into place, and the fire began to burn.

"Now, boys," said Polly, getting up, and drawing a long breath, "I'm
going over to Grandma Bascom's to get her to tell me how to make the
cake; and you must stay and keep house."

"I'm going to nail," said Joel; "I've got lots to do."

"All right," said Polly, tying on her hood; "Phronsie'll love to watch
you; I won't be gone long," and she was off.

"Grandma Bascom," wasn't really the children's grandmother; only
everybody in the village called her so by courtesy. Her cottage was over
across the lane, and just a bit around the corner; and Polly flew along
and up to the door, fully knowing that now she would be helped out of
her difficulty. She didn't stop to knock, as the old lady was so deaf
she knew she wouldn't hear her, but opened the door and walked in.
Grandma was sweeping up the floor, already as neat as a pin; when she
saw Polly coming, she stopped, and leaned on her broom.

"How's your ma?" she asked, when Polly had said "good morning," and then
hesitated.

"Oh, mammy's pretty well," shouted Polly into the old lady's ear; "and
to-morrow's her birthday!"

"To-morrow'll b