"I'm going to be always good," declared Joel. "I ain't ever going to be like Ab'm," he added in disgust.
"Joel," reproved Mrs. Pepper, sternly, "don't judge other folks; it's enough for you to do to look out for yourself."
Joel hung his head, abashed.
"Well, good-by," said Mrs. Pepper, the stern lines on her face breaking into a smile.
"Good-by, Mamsie!" Joel flew back suddenly, to throw his arms around her neck, then he rushed up to do the same thing to Polly, and then to Phronsie.
"Don't kiss David," said his mother, "'cause you may take his throat."
"Then I want to kiss him," cried Joel. "Mayn't I, Mammy?" he wheedled. "I don't want Dave to have it."
"Oh, he'd have it just as much," said Mrs. Pepper, sewing away for dear life.
"How could he?" cried Joel, in great astonishment, and standing quite still. "Say, Mammy, how could he, if I took it?"
"You'd find if you took it there'd be quite enough sore throat for two," answered Mrs. Pepper. "Well, run along, Joe, you wouldn't understand, and 'tisn't necessary that you should; only you are to do as I say, that's all."