Rose-Red chose six of the finest roses and carefully clipped off all their thorns. Then she ran to the gate between her yard and Ruthie's, and slipped them into a covered box beside it. This box was Rose-Red's and Ruthie's post office. Nearly every day something went into it from one little girl to the other.
Four o'clock was mail time. Postman Rose-Red hid behind a bush and watched.
Presently Postman Ruthie came down the path. She opened the box and took out the fragrant "letter." Then she laid something inside, drew down the cover, and ran back.
It was Postman Rose-Red's turn now to open the box. Her letter was a real one. It said, "I'm sorry."
Rose-Ready-to-Forgive flew through the gate.
"Ruthie! Ruthie!" she called.
And then Rose-Red kissed Ruthie, and Ruthie kissed Rose-Red. And that was the last of Ruthie-Ready-to-Slap.
