n her
offering to the Lord, and she have gave a lesson to grown-ups. We all
love the old folks and was ready to do, but 'Liza have proved that love
must be mixed with a little gumption to make wheels go round. And ain't
she cute about it? She told the Deacon that she had to bring something
from everybody's kitchen or hurt all our feelings. They is a way of
putting what-oughter-be into words that makes it a truth, and she did
it that time." As she delivered her little homily on the subject of the
absent small Sister Pike, Mother Mayberry's face shone with emotion and
there was a mist in her eyes that also dimmed the vision of some of the
others.

"And the way of her," laughed the widow softly. "Told me yesterday I
didn't brown my hoe-cake enough on both sides for the Deacon's
greens--that Mis' Peavey's was better."

"Why, Mis' Pratt, 'Liza oughtn't to speak that way to you; it ain't
manners," her mother hastened to say as they all laughed, even the
misanthrope, who was much pleased over this public acknowledgment of
the superiority of her handiwork.

"Now, Judy honey, don't you say one word to 'Liza about that! She have
got the whole thing fixed up for us now, and it won't do to get her
conscious like in her management of the old folks. The thing for us to
do is to make our engagements for truck with her regular and take her
dictation always about what is sent. Keep it in her mind how
complimented we are to be let give to the Deacon and she'll manage him,
pride and all, in a sorter game. We'll make it a race with her which
pleases him most. And now," Mother paused and looked from the face of
one hearty country woman to another with a wealth of affection for each
and every one, "let's don't none of us forget to take the child up to
the throne with us each night in the arms of prayer, as one of His
ministers!--Well it's time for us to walk out to the dining-room and
see what kind of a set-out Cindy and Elinory have got for us. Yes, Mis'
Nath, did you ever see such a show of decorations? She must a-kinder
sensed the wedding in the air in compliment to you, Bettie. Come in,
one and all!"

And the cheerful company assembled around the hospitable Mayberry board
put into practice the knife and fork by-law of the Circle with hearty
good will. Cindy's austerity relaxed noticeably at the compliments
handed her in return for her offer of the various viands she had
prepared for their delectation, and Miss Wingate blushed and be