some linen rags to spread the salve on. Will you let me
do it myself? I wish you would; the poor thing is suffering so."

And Vinnie knelt down beside the girl who was holding Bubby in her arms.

"Is 't any o' the Betterson folks's sa'v'?" Mrs. Peakslow inquired,
scraping away at her skillet.

"No; it is some I brought from the East with me, thinking I should find
a use for it in my sister's family; it is good for various things."

"Better keep it for her family!" snarled Mrs. Peakslow. Scrape, scrape.

"There's plenty and to spare," said Vinnie, unrolling her rags. "And my
sister will be only too glad if it can be of any service to you."

"Think so?" Mrs. Peakslow stopped her scraping and scowled at Vinnie.
"Her folks hain't never showed us none too much good-will."

"They have never known you,--you have never understood each other," said
Vinnie. "It is too bad that the troubles between the men should prevent
you and her from being on neighborly terms. Can I use a corner of this
table to spread the salve? And can I see the little thing's burns, so as
to shape the plasters to cover them?"

"He tol' me not to use the sa'v', if ye brought it," said Mrs. Peakslow
doubtfully, laying down the skillet.

"When he sees the good effect of it I am sure he won't complain; he is
too fond of his little boy," said Vinnie, placing rags and salve on the
table. "Will you let me take a case-knife and a pair of scissors?"

"Got rags enough of my own. Needn't trouble yourself to cut and spread
plasters. _Try_ the sa'v', 'f ye say so."

Vinnie did say so, and dressed Bubby's burns with her own hands, doing
the work so deftly and tenderly, talking now to the child, now to the
mother, who had taken him into her lap, and showing in every look and
tone so cheerful and sweet a spirit that poor Mrs. Peakslow's peevish
heart warmed and softened toward her.

"I do declare," she said, as the outer bandages were going on, "Bubby
feels comforted a'ready. Must be dreffle good sa'v'! _Much_ obleeged to
ye, I'm sure. How _is_ yer sister?"

"Much better than she was; and the baby is better too. Indeed," said
Vinnie, "I think the baby will get well as soon as the mother does."

"And Cecie--how's Cecie?" Mrs. Peakslow timidly asked.

"O, Cecie is in very good spirits! She is the most gentle, patient,
beautiful girl you ever saw! She never complains; and she is always so
grateful for any little thing that is done for her!"

"S'pose the folks