ought to go."

"I'll come again," said Jasper, eagerly, "if I may, ma'am."

He looked up at Mrs. Pepper as he stood cap in hand, waiting for
the answer.

"I'm sure we should be glad if your father'll be willing," she added;
thinking, proudly, "My children are an honor to anybody, I'm sure,"
as she glanced around on the bright little group she could call her
own. "But be sure, Jasper," and she laid her hand on his arm as she
looked down into his eyes, "that you father is willing, that's all."

"Oh, yes, ma'am," said the boy; "but he will be, I guess, if he feels
well."

"Then come on Thursday," said Polly; "and can't we bake
something then, mammy?"

"I'm sure I don't care," laughed Mrs. Pepper; "but you won't find
much but brown flour and meal to bake with."

"Well, we can pretend," said Polly; "and we can cut the cakes with
the heart-shape, and they II do for anything.

"Oh, I'll come," laughed Jasper, ready for such lovely fun in the old
kitchen; "look out for me on Thursday, Ben!"

So Jasper and Prince took their leave, all the children
accompanying them to the gate; and then after seeing him fairly