ink-bottle slopped out the ink!
You can't expect gloves to look nobby and new
When they have to be used for a slate and ink too.

Now, that's reasons enough!" said poor Tommy, "I guess!"
And the company bowed a unanimous "Yes,"
And the horse, cow and sheep, duck, duckling and hen,
Complacently turned themselves homeward again.

UNDER THE LILACS.

BY LOUISA M. ALCOTT.

CHAPTER VII.

NEW FRIENDS TROT IN.

Next day Ben ran off to his work with Quackenbos's "Elementary History
of the United States" in his pocket, and the Squire's cows had ample
time to breakfast on wayside grass before they were put into their
pasture. Even then the pleasant lesson was not ended, for Ben had an
errand to town, and all the way he read busily, tumbling over the hard
words, and leaving bits which he did not understand to be explained at
night by Bab.

At "The First Settlements" he had to stop, for the school-house was
reached and the book must be returned. The maple-tree closet was easily
found, and a little surprise hidden under the flat stone; for Ben paid
two sticks of red and white candy for the privilege of taking books
from the new library.

When recess came great was the rejoicing of the children over their
unexpected treat, for Mrs. Moss had few pennies to spare for sweets,
and, somehow, this candy tasted particularly nice, bought out of
grateful Ben's solitary dime. The little girls shared their goodies
with their favorite mates, but said nothing about the new arrangement,
fearing it would be spoilt if generally known. They told their mother,
however, and she gave them leave to lend their books and encourage Ben
to love learning all they could. She also proposed that they should
drop patch-work and help her make some blue shirts for Ben. Mrs. Barton
had given her the materials, and she thought it would be an excellent
lesson in needle-work as well as a useful gift to Ben--who, boy-like,
never troubled himself as to what he should wear when his one suit of
clothes gave out.

Wednesday afternoon was the sewing time, so the two little B's worked
busily at a pair of shirt sleeves, sitting on their bench in the
door-way, while the rusty needles creaked in and out, and the childish
voices sung school-songs, with frequent stoppages for lively chatter.

For a week, Ben worked away bravely, and never shirked nor complained,
although Pat put many a hard or disagreeable job upon him, and chores
grew more and