"All this time, Moses had been kneeling in his chair by the table, watching her as she worked. He looked very sober. He was thinking about the orange, and wished he had not taken it.
"When his mother began to take the oranges from the basket, he felt as if he should cry, he was so afraid she would find out what he had done.
"'Why,' said the lady to herself, 'here are only twelve. I asked him to get thirteen.' She counted them over again. All at once she looked at Moses, and said, 'I hope you have not eaten one of mother's oranges, my dear.'
"'No,' said the little boy, 'I haven't touched one.'"
"O, dear!" said Frankie. "I'm afraid God won't love Moses any more, he is so naughty, and tells so many lies."
Frankie jumped up when he said this, and Ponto took the opportunity to turn himself over. He had lain very still before, for fear of disturbing his little master.
"'What did you want thirteen for?' asked Moses. 'You said there would be twelve at the party.'
"'Because I meant to send one to Sarah Christie. Joseph and Belle are coming, but Sarah is sick, you know; so I meant to send her one. I suppose your father forgot it; but I'm very sorry.'"
Mrs. Gray was going on to tell the rest of the story, but she saw that Frankie looked very pale, and she stopped.
"I want to womit," said he, and she ran quickly to get the bowl. Then she gave him some medicine, and put him into bed, while she sent Nelly to play out doors until he awoke.