LINK DOESN'T CARE TO BE KISSED.
Vinnie did not accept the wager, convinced, probably, that she would lose it if she did. As she bent over the child, however, the report of a kiss was heard,—a sort of shot in the air, not designed to come very near the mark.
"I'm didding a well," said Chokie, in a solemn voice, "so the boys won't have to go to the spring for water."
Mrs. Betterson tottered to the door, convulsively wrapping her red shawl about her.
"Lavinia! Is it sister Lavinia?"
At sight of her, so pale and feeble, Vinnie was much affected. She could hardly speak; but, supporting the emaciated form in her strong, embracing arms, she led her back into the house.
"You are so good to come!" said Mrs. Betterson, weeping, as she sank in her chair. "I am worse than when I wrote to you; and the baby is no better; and Cecie—poor Cecie! though she can sit up but little, she does more than any of us for the sick little thing."