ine, who was anxious for more missionary money, said she thought
there were still some cardinal flowers down in the glen, and Miss Fanny
said they would be the very thing.

"And then it would be more like earning the missionary money if we had
to work ourselves to get the flowers," said Marty.

"You have been brought up in the orthodox school, I see," said Miss
Fanny, and all the young ladies laughed.

After many last words and kindly adieus, they parted, and the children
ran home to relate their adventures.

CHAPTER XVII.

WEEDING.

When the plan for Thursday was announced, both Mrs. Ashford and Mrs.
Stokes objected to the little girls going so far into the woods by
themselves; and nobody could go with them.

"Then we'll have no flowers for the ladies," sighed Marty.

"And no more missionary money," added Evaline.

"Why not give them flowers out of the garden?" said Mrs. Stokes. "Sakes
alive! there's plenty there. And they're just the kind I've seen city
folks going crazy over. Some of the hotel folks were up here last
summer, and deary me! but they did make a to-do over my larkspur,
sweet-william, china pinks, candytuft, cockscomb, and such. You just
give the ladies some of 'em, and they'll be pleased enough; for there's
hardly any flowers in Riseborough--too shady, I guess."

"That's all well enough for Evaline," said Mrs. Ashford, "but Marty has
no right to sell your flowers."

"She has if I give 'em to her, hasn't she? I'm sure she's welcome to
every bloom in the garden to do what she pleases with. Not that I want
my flowers sold; I'd rather give 'em to the ladies, but as long as it is
for mission work--" and the good woman finished with a little nod.

But Mrs. Ashford still objected to Marty's taking the flowers, and
Evaline would not have anything to do with the scheme unless Marty could
"go halves."

"Dear Mrs. Stokes," said Marty, "can't you think of some way I could
work for the flowers, and then mamma wouldn't object to my taking them?"

"Well, I'll tell you. The gravel walk 'round the centre bed is pretty
tolerable weedy, and if you and Evaline'll weed it out nice and clean,
you may have all the flowers you want all summer."

That satisfied all parties, and the weeding began that afternoon. When
Marty was going to do anything she always wanted to get at it right
away. Besides Almira advised them to do some that afternoon.

"Then maybe you can finish it up to-morrow morning before t