[STRIKING "PAY DIRT."]

BY ANNIE HAMILTON DONNELL.

"No beans? Why, Thanny!" The rich creamy spoonful dripped back into the tureen. Millia Thacher's tired face put on astonishment as a garment. "No beans?"

"Well, that's what I said, wasn't it?" her brother snapped across at her. "I don't know's the world has got any call to stand still because I don't want 'em, either. I don't want any dinner."

"Why, Thanny!"

"Well, I don't. That's all there is to it."

"But, Thanny, I've got rhubarb pie. I made it a purpose, and I guess it's real good. You ain't going to slight that, Thanny?"

"Milly Thacher, for pity's sake do stop Thannying me! Anybody'd think I was ten years old instead of twenty. There! I'm sorry. I'll be a good boy now."