rner. Of course Jenny's room was
more orderly, but it lacked something, the suggestion of refinement.

Uncle Jason and Sam had come in, and it seemed as if the kitchen was
full. They scrambled round the table, pushing and crowding.

"Do keep still, children!" begged their father.

"'Reely, you haven't put on a bit of salt. I think every time you forget
it I ought to make you eat a spoonful," said her mother.

"I haven't any fork!" declared Nathan.

"And if we made her eat a fork, it might disagree with her, and we'd
have one fork less," commented Sam.

"Can't I have a piece of bread and butter? Why can't we have some butter
down here?" cried Tom.

"I'll spread it for you. Sam, will you please pass me the butter?" said
Helen in a quiet tone.

"Me too, Helen," entreated Fanny, holding up her piece of bread.

"It's so nice to have you again," and 'Reely squeezed Helen's arm.

Uncle Jason helped to the meat and potatoes. There was a great clatter
of passing plates, and the confusion of several voices at a time. Aunt
Jane scolded, then she gave Tom a slap.

"There comes Joe and Jen," announced Sam.

Jenny left work at four on Saturday and went to the house. Joe was
keeping himself, and they had a cup of tea, some bread and butter, cold
meat and blackberries together.

"How do, Helen. You're a big stranger. Let's sit out on the porch, Joe.
I'll bring some sewing."

"That's the most industrious girl in the country," said Joe with a
laugh. "I shall have to buy goods by the bale to keep her in work."

Some way they did get through with the meal, Uncle Jason and Sam first,
then one by one straggling out. Helen helped put away the food and said
she would wash the dishes, and Aurelia and Fan might dry them. Why
couldn't Aunt Jane go out on the porch and take a rest?

"I'm tired as a dog. I've gone since half past four this morning. There
was so much to do. I declare, Helen, your coming over was just a special
providence. When I get hold of you again, I'll see that no one coaxes
you away. I was a fool to consent to it. But you'll soon be home now."

"Yes, go out and get cooled off and rested."

Aunt Jane was really glad to. Helen kept the two girls busy until the
things were put away and the kitchen tidied up. The fire was out and
the room getting cooler. The girls clung so to Helen, that she felt as
if she would be torn in two. And sitting on the steps they wanted to
know about the queer old woman, and didn't M