"What does it say?" gasped Mrs. Pepper.

"Dear Miss Polly," began both Ben and Polly in a breath. "Let
Polly read," said Joel, who couldn't hear in the confusion.

"Well, go on Polly," said Ben; "hurry!"

"Dear Miss Polly, I was so sorry I couldn't come on Thursday' "--

"Oh, it's Jasper! it's Jasper!" cried all the children in a breath.

"I told you so!" cried Ben and Polly, perfectly delighted to find
their friend vindicated fully--"there! Joey Pepper!"

"Well, I don't care," cried Joe, nothing daunted, "he didn't come,
anyway--do go on, Polly."

"I was so sorry I couldn't come' "--began Polly.

"You read that," said Joel.

"I know it," said Polly, "but it's just lovely; 'on Thursday; but my
father was sick, and I couldn't leave him. If you don't mind I'll
come again--I mean I'll come some other day, if it's just as
convenient for you, for I do so want the baking, and the nice time.
I forgot to say that I had a cold, to,' (here Jasper had evidently had
a struggle in his mind whether there should be two 0's or one, and
he had at last decided it, by crossing out one) but my father is
willing I should come when I get well. Give my love to all, and
especially remember me respectfully to your mother. Your friend,