How Bella laughed at the love-names, and how happy they made her, is more than I can describe; but she cuddled up to Edith, and whispered:
"Dear little mamma," and that was all she said.
The next day was Sunday. Bella was old enough to go to church, and she behaved very well.
Just before they went in, her father said: "Bella, there will be a collection taken up to-day, and here is a nice new penny for you to put in the plate."
"What plate, papa?"
"Why, the plate for the money that is given to the poor. You will see six of them on the table just under the pulpit."
Bella had never put any money in the plate before, and she was quite pleased.
When they were seated in their pew in the middle aisle, a little bit of a boy wanted to come in, because his papa's pew was quite crowded. His name was Eddie; and he knew Bella very well. So in he came, and the two children sat next the door.
Presently, Bella whispered: "Look, Eddie, look at my new penny. I am going to put it in the plate for the poor peoples."
"Why, I've got a penny, too, most as bright as yours; but where is the plate?"