“Oh, Phronsie,” she said, reprovingly; “you ought not to. Never mind, pet,” as she caught sight of two big tears trying to make a path in the little molasses-streaked face, “Polly'll wipe it up.”

“Sha'n't we ever have anything else to eat, Polly?” asked the child, gravely, getting down from her high chair to watch the operation of cleaning the floor.

“Oh, yes,” said Polly, cheerfully, “lots and lots—when our ship comes in.”

“What'll they be?” asked Phronsie, in the greatest delight, prepared for anything.

“Oh, I don't know,” said Polly; “ice cream for one thing, Phronsie, and maybe, little cakes.”

“With pink on top?” interrupted Phronsie, getting down by Polly's side.

“Oh, yes,” said Polly, warming with her subject; “ever and ever so much pink, Phronsie Pepper; more than you could eat!”

Phronsie just clasped her hands and sighed. More than she could eat was beyond her!

“Hoh!” said Joel, who caught the imaginary bill of fare, “that's nothing, Polly. I'd speak for a plum-puddin'.”

“Like the one mother made us for Thanksgiving?” asked Polly, getting up and waiting a minute, cloth in hand, for the answer.