y full of ardor for about two days, though on
Monday something occurred that made her feel very bad. She was playing
with Freddie in the morning, and when schooltime came he began to
whimper, and holding her dress, pleaded,

"Don't go, Marty; play wis me."

She was very fond of her little brother, and proud that he seemed to
think more of her than he did of any one else, so she was usually quite
gentle with him. She now petted him and coaxed him to let her go, saying
when she came home she would bring him a pretty little sponge cake. She
often brought these tasty little cakes to Freddie, and he considered
them a great treat. The prospect of one quite satisfied him, and after
many last kisses he let her go peaceably.

On the way home from school she stopped at the bakery, and it was not
until the cake was selected and wrapped up that she remembered she had
no money. It was all in her missionary box.

"Oh! I can't take it after all," she said regretfully. "I forgot I have
no money."

"That makes no difference at all," said the kindly German woman, who
knew Marty, as Mrs. Ashford generally dealt at the shop: "you take it
all the same, and bring the penny to-morrow--any day."

"No, thank you, mamma wouldn't like me to do that," answered Marty,
hastening out to hide her tears. She was so sorry for Freddie's
disappointment; and disappointed he was, for he had a good memory and
immediately asked for his cake. Then there was a great crying scene, for
Marty cried as heartily as he did, and their mamma had to comfort them
both.

"I think, mamma," said Marty, when Freddie had condescended to eat a
piece of another kind of cake and quiet was restored, "I think, after
all, I'll not put _every_ cent of my money in the box, but will keep a
little to buy things for dear little Freddie--and you," giving her
mother a squeeze.

"That will be best," said Mrs. Ashford. "I know you enjoy bringing us
things sometimes."

This was quite true. Marty was very generous, and nothing pleased her
more than to bring home some modest dainty, such as her small purse
would buy, and share it with everybody in the house, not forgetting
Katie in the kitchen.

But her penniless condition brought her a harder time yet. The next day
in school a sudden recollection flashed upon her that nearly took her
breath away. She could hardly wait until school was dismissed to race
home to her mother, to whom she managed to gasp,

"Oh, mamma! next Friday is