y would say, 'Why, Ruby
Harper wore long dresses when she was six months old, and now she has
them on again. She must have grown backwards.'"

"Now, papa Harper, you are making fun of me," exclaimed Ruby. "I mean
long dresses like young ladies wear. I want to be grown up. Will I be
big enough to wear dresses with a train next year if I grow fast."

"If you should grow fast enough," her father answered, pinching her
cheek, "but I don't think you will do that, Ruby. You would have to
grow like Jack's beanstalk, if you expect to spring up into a young
lady in a year. Why, then I would not have any little girl, and what
would I do for some one to hold in my lap?"

"Oh, I guess I don't want to grow too big to sit in lap," Ruby
answered, nestling closer to her father. "I forgot that part of it.
I will wait for ever so many years for long dresses, if I must give up
sitting in lap. Well, I will grow as fast as I can, but not so fast
that I won't be your little Ruby any longer."

"And now, dear, say good-night to mamma and go to bed," said her
father, as he heard the clock striking. "We will have to be up bright
and early in the morning, and I want you to have a good sleep."

By the time the stars were looking down Ruby was sound asleep in her
little trundle-bed for the last time for many weeks.

CHAPTER IX.

THE JOURNEY.

Ruby and Aunt Emma were to start at nine o'clock, and as there were a
great many little things to be done before the travellers should get
off, the whole house was astir very early in the morning. Ruby was
very much excited over her journey, but there was a little lump that
kept arising in her throat all the time as if it would choke her if she
did not swallow it back.

Ruthy was to go over to the station with her, and see her off, and it
was hardly daybreak when she came over to Ruby's house, eager to have
as long a time as possible with her little friend before she should go
away.

Ruby felt as if she was a little queen, every one was so kind to her,
and so anxious to please her in every way. Even Ann was wonderfully
subdued, and when Ruby came downstairs, took her in her arms and said:
"I don't know what we shall do without the precious child, I am sure."
Coming from Ann, this was indeed a great compliment, and Ruby felt as
if Ann was really very nice, indeed, since she had so high an opinion
of the little girl.

"Are n't you sorry you have been so cross to me, sometimes?" as