"I don't look at what she's comin' for! I didn't want her a comin' here,bringin' her mournin' an' frettin' an' lookin' out for troubles topester you, Mary Richards, an' I told her I would be over to herplace this evenin'. I did tell her, you know, I'd fit that dress forher Mrs. Bradford give her to Christmas, but she just needn't a comehere when I told her I'd go there; an' a kill-joy she is an' nocomfort to nobody. You go into the kitchen, Mary, an' stay theretill she's gone, which I won't be long fittin' her, an' I'll get ridof her soon's I can,"

Mrs. Richards was about to comply with the suggestion, when Jennie,who was still gazing out of the window, exclaimed with a total changeof tone:

"And here come the little Miss Bradfords, with Henrietta, and Miss BellePowers and Miss Lily Norris along with them."

The little sister who she was diverting by holding her up to thewindow, began to clap her hands, and Mrs. Richards settled herselfback into her chair again, saying:

"I ain't going into the kitchen to miss _them_, and I'll set thesunshine they'll bring against the clouds Mrs. Fleming drags."