, Daddy got himself out of the
sound of Sorrel Top's retort as quickly as possible, and, as he could
whenever it suited him, make an errand to Little Wolf's room, he very
soon made it convenient to start with an armful of wood in that
direction.

The fire was burning very briskly and Little Wolf sat before it in an
attitude of deep thought, so Daddy very gently put down the wood, and
was going out, when his young mistress called after him.

"Daddy."

"Yes, Honey."

"Daddy, I've been thinking of going for Fanny Green to-day."

"'Tween you and me, its a oncommon fair day, likely you wouldn't take
no cold.

"Well, daddy, we will drive over for her, early this afternoon."

The honor of riding with Little Wolf and the errand on which, they
were going combined to form an occasion of deep interest with Daddy
who hastened down, eager to impart the information he had obtained.
But, as only Sorrel Top was visible, and she in a fit of sulks, in
the bringing on of which he had been instrumental, he delayed his
important communication for a more appreciative audience, and
contented himself with the performance of what he considered a solemn
duty.

"'Tween you and me, its never best to pout," said he, "I've seen many
a handsome face spiled by it."

Having administered this inflammatory admonition, Daddy betook himself
to the wood pile, where he pecked away with uncommon assiduity until
he was called to dinner.

Putting away his ax with alacrity, he hurried into the house, with an
air of a man of business, and soon, under the influence of a very
palatable dinner, his tongue loosed more agreeably.

"'Tween you and me, the Honey and me have been talkin the matter
over," said he, "and we are going fur to fetch Fanny this afternoon."

"You ain't told us no news," said Sorrel Top, "has he Miss Hawley?"

"I didn't go fur to tell no news, a man never expects to tell _women_
any news."

Daddy told this little fib good naturedly, although it was evident
that he was the least bit annoyed.

Sorrel Top delighted in view of Daddy's discomfiture, and her temper
restored, condescended to disclose the part she was to act in the
matter.

"I've just been fixing a bed for her in the little room inside of Miss
DeWolf's," said she "and as it ain't at all likely she'll be very
tidy, brought up as she has been in that old shanty, I expect to have
to teach her to keep it in order."

"'Tween you and me, it's time I was gittin ready fur