"Sure, sure. An' ye'r dad didn't send them things out of charity, did he?"
"Charity to the children, of course," was Belle's evasive reply. "He knows how greatly interested I am in the boys, and he sent those things merely to help along the work. My father is fond of doing such things and he wouldn't like it one bit if he knew that I have told on him. If you want to save me from a big scolding don't say anything to him about it. I shall write at once and tell him that they have arrived, and so that will be enough. Now, you must both promise me that you won't say anything to my father about what he has done. You will, won't you?"
As neither Abner nor Mrs. Andrews made any reply, Belle looked keenly into their faces, thinking that perhaps they were offended. Great was her surprise to see tears stealing slowly down Mrs. Andrews' cheeks. She brushed them hurriedly away, but not before Belle had seen her emotion.
"Oh, Mrs. Andrews, I didn't mean to offend you," Belle explained. "I'm afraid I have hurt your feelings. I thought you would understand. I am so sorry."
In reply, Mrs. Andrews threw her arms about the girl's neck, and began to weep, a most unusual thing for her.
"You dear good girl," she sobbed. "You have not offended us. But I am completely overcome by your kindness."
Abner turned his face away and softly hummed, "When Bill Larkins made his money." Belle touched him gently on the arm.
"Are you offended, Mr. Andrews?" she asked.
Abner swung suddenly around, and there was a mistiness in his eyes.
"Offended!" he repeated. "I'm not offended one bit, but I have a queer, creepy feelin', which I haven't had since the first time I saw Jess, when she was put in me arms as a tiny little mite. Why, I nearly blubbered right out, an' me a big strong man at that! Jist think of it!"