s, and silver
thimbles and silk aprons. Why! did not my father bring me home a fine
beaver skin for a hood, and a pair of duck's wings, and a pair of
moccasins the very last time he went north!" And Anna, out of breath,
looked at her friend triumphantly.

"But Melvina's things are all bought in stores in big towns, and your
presents are all from the woods, just as if you were a little Indian
girl," objected Luretta, who greatly admired the ruffled gowns of
Melvina's dolls, such as no other little girl in the settlement
possessed.

Anna made no response to this; but she was surprised that Luretta should
not think as she did about the value of her gifts, and rather vexed that
Melvina Lyon should be praised by her own particular friend.

The girls had passed the sawmill and lumber yard, and now turned from
the well-traveled path to climb a hill where they could catch the first
glimpse of any sail entering the harbor. Farther along this bluff stood
the church, not yet quite finished, and beyond it the house of the
minister, the Reverend James Lyon, whose little daughter, Melvina, was
said to be the best behaved and the smartest girl in the settlement.
Although only ten years old Melvina had already "pieced" four patchwork
quilts and quilted them; and her neat stitches were the admiration of
all the women of the town. But most of the little girls were a little in
awe of Melvina, who never cared to play games, and always brought her
knitting or sewing when she came for an afternoon visit.

Anna and Luretta sat down on the short grass, and for a few moments
talked of the _Polly_, and looked in vain for the glimmer of a sail.

"Look, Danna! Here comes Melvina now," whispered Luretta, whose quick
ears had caught the sound of steps.

Anna looked quickly around. "She's all dressed up," she responded. "See,
her skirts set out all around her like a wheel."

Melvina walked with great care, avoiding the rough places, and so intent
on her steps that, if Anna had not called her name, she would have
passed without seeing them. She was thin and dark, and looked more like
a little old lady than a ten-year-old girl.

"How do you do?" she said, bowing as ceremoniously as if Luretta and
Anna were grown up people of importance.

"Come and sit down, Melly, and watch for the _Polly_," said Anna.

"And tell us about the fine dolls that are on board for you," added
Luretta quickly.

A little smile crept over Melvina's face and she too