What shall I do! cried the poor woman. Did ever anybody see the
like?"

"It's the very best thing you could possibly do," cried the

old gentleman. "Don't you see it's for the children's advantage?
They'll get such educations, Mrs. Pepper, as you want for them.
And it accommodates me immensely. What obstacle can there be
to it?"

"If I was only sure 'twas best?" said Mrs. Pepper doubtfully.

"Oh, dear Mrs. Pepper," said Mrs. Whitney, laying her hand on
hers. "Can you doubt it?"

"Then," said Mr. King, getting up, but still holding on to Phronsie,
"we'll consider it settled. This is your home, children," he said,
waving his hand at the five little Peppers in a bunch. And having
thus summarily disposed of the whole business, he marched out
with Phronsie on his shoulder.

POLLY'S DISMAL MORNING

Everything had gone wrong with Polly that day. It began with her
boots.

Of all things in the world that tried Polly's patience most were the
troublesome little black buttons that originally adorned those
useful parts of her clothing, and that were fondly supposed to be