d out and got it from
the settin'-room when you all was talkin' so lively, just now, and
we're fixed. I may come out before daylight and I may stay till
doomsday; but come I shan't a single step, not to please even you
for whom I'd do and dare a good deal, and don't you doubt it, but
when my mind is sot it's sot, and sot it is this minute, an don't
you dast to let on to John Benton, or that sassy boy'd plague the
very life out of me, and you go right along to your own bed and take
Jessie with you, and----"

But Mrs. Trent stayed to hear no more. When Aunt Sally got started on
such a harangue as this, exhaustion of breath was her only limit. The
lady did not anticipate more than an hour's further imprisonment of
the children, if so long, and was sure that they would be even
tenderly cared for, no matter what their misdemeanors, if she did not
herself interfere. Yet daylight came and found the odd trio still
behind that closed door, and it opened only at breakfast time; when,
leading two very penitent-looking small boys and herself wearing the
air of a Roman conqueror, Mrs. Benton emerged from her seclusion upon
an expectant household.

"Well, Aunt Sally, haven't you 'wormed' them, as you promised? Poor
little tackers! they've lost their pride and spirit, and I love them.
Come to sister, darlings, and get your morning hugs!" cried Jessica,
as they appeared. Ephraim, close at hand, winked at them solemnly
and held up behind Mrs. Benton's back two most alluring marbles.
But they did not wink in response, nor give more than a furtive
smile, as they reluctantly dragged along under their guardian's
forcible guidance. Her route was direct to the watering trough
where, without ado, she promptly stripped, bathed and rubbed dry,
each shivering little figure. Then she reclothed and led them back to
the kitchen, placing them in high chairs beside the big deal table,
while she proceeded to cook their oatmeal and serve it to them, with
a bad-as-you-are-you-shan't-starve sort of air which would have
amused Jessica, had she not so heartily pitied her playmates.

After a time she could endure the sight no longer, but sped to Ned's
chair and clasped him fondly in her arms.

"What is the matter, brotherkin? Tell sister, do. Is it nothing but
that miserable candy? What else have you done to make auntie so angry
with you?"

Ned's bosom heaved and a mighty sob burst forth. But he instantly
repressed this sign of weakness, though unfort