soft soap plentifully spread on her face met his mouth.

"Oh, Phronsie! you shouldn't," cried Polly, and then they all burst
out into a peal of laughter at Jasper's funny grimaces.

"She's been washing 'Baby," explained Polly, wiping her eyes, and
looking at Phronsie who was hanging over Prince in extreme
affection. Evidently Prince still regarded her as his especial
property.

"Have you got a baby?" asked Jasper. "I thought she was the baby,"
pointing to Phronsie.

"Oh, I mean her littlest dolly; she always calls her 'Baby," said
Polly. "Come, Phronsie, and have your face washed, and a clean
apron on."

When Phronsie could be fairly persuaded that Prince would not
run away during her absence, she allowed herself to be taken off;
and soon re-appeared, her own, dainty little self. Ben, in the
meantime, had been initiating Jasper into the mysteries of cutting
the wood, the tool-house, and all the surroundings of the "little
brown house." They had received a re-inforcement in the advent of
Joel and David, who stared delightedly at Phronsie's protector,
made friends with the dog, and altogether had had such a
thoroughly good time, that Phronsie, coming back, clapped her
hands in glee to hear them.

"I wish mammy was home," said Polly, polishing up the last cup
carefully.