MADE HIM AWFUL SICK
"Then," said Budge, "I know he'll be awful, awful unhappy, an' I'll be awful sorry for him, 'cos nice folks oughtn't to be made unhappy."
"Suppose, then, that I do let her go?" said Mrs. Mayton.
"Then I'll give you a whole stomachful of kisses for being so good to my uncle," said Budge. And assuming that the latter course would be the one adopted by Mrs. Mayton, Budge climbed into her lap and began at once to make payment.
"Bless your dear little heart! exclaimed Mrs. Mayton; "you're of the same blood, and it is good, if it is rather hasty."
As I rose the next morning, I found a letter under my door. Disappointed that it was not addressed in Alice's writing, I was nevertheless glad to get a word from my sister, particularly as the letter ran as follows:—
"July 1, 1875.
"Dear Old Brother:—I've been recalling a fortnight's experience we once had of courtship in a boarding-house, and I've determined to cut short our visit here, hurry home, and give you and Alice a chance or two to see each other in parlors where there won't be a likelihood of the dozen or two interruptions you must suffer each evening now. Tom agrees with me, like the obedient old darling that he is; so please have the carriage at Hillcrest station for us at 11:40 Friday morning. Invite Alice and her mother for me to dine with us Sunday,—we'll bring them home from church with us.
"Lovingly your sister,
"Helen."P. S. Of course you'll have my darlings in the carriage to receive me.
"P. S. Would it annoy you to move into the best guest-chamber? I can't bear to sleep where I can't have them within reach."
Friday morning they intended to arrive,—blessings on their thoughtful hearts!—and this was Friday. I hurried into the boys' room and shouted:—
"Toddie! Budge! who do you think is coming to see you this morning?"
"Who?" asked Budge.