Then they all tried to comfort her, and finally she grew in a measure reconciled to her fate. [Illustration] [Illustration] Chapter Thirteenth. "'Tis with our judgments as our watches, none Go just alike, yet each believes his own." --POPE. "YOU hain't returned more'n our fust call; and then you didn't stay but ten minutes," Rhoda Jane said in a half-offended tone, to Mildred, "And we're such near neighbors too; we'd ought to be real sociable." Mildred apologized by stating the fact that her time was very fully occupied. "Well you and Claudina Chetwood seems to be pretty thick. But the Chetwoods is richer'n we are, an' I s'pose that makes it easier to find time to visit with 'em." "The riches don't make any difference," said Mildred, flushing; "and I've heard that the Chetwoods are not very rich." "Well, they hold their heads high anyway. "I'm agoin' to have a rag carpet party pretty soon, and give you an invite, and if you don't come I'll be so mad I won't never come near you again." "Perhaps I may be sick," sighed Mildred, half hoping in her secret heart that so it might fall out. "Oh, then of course I couldn't be mad; but I'll try to fix it when you're well." "When is it to be? and what is it like?" "Soon's mother and me gits the rags all cut; 'bout a week from now, I reckon. Why a passel o' girls gits together and sews the rags and winds 'em up into balls, and after awhile the boys come in and then we have lots o' fun and good things to eat. Now I must run home. Good-bye, mind you're to be sure to come." This was Friday. On the ensuing Monday morning little Ada set out sorrowfully for Miss Drybread's school, in company with Emmaretta and Minerva Lightcap. Mildred was alone in the parlor when the child came back at noon. "Well, pussy, how did you like it?" she asked with a sympathetic smile. "Not at all. O Mildred, she isn't a lady or a Christian; for she deceives; she acts lies; she made a naughty girl believe she was going to roast her to death. There's a stove and a big oven in it; and she said she was going to put her in there and build up a hot fire and cook her." "Did the girl believe it?" "Yes; she was dreadfully frightened; she screamed like everything and promised that indeed, and indeed she'd be good; and Miss Drybread let her go to her seat." "That was acting a lie and telling one too; and anybody who would do so, is unfit to have the care of children," said Mildred. "I shall tell father and mother about it, and I'm very sure they won't send you any longer than this one quarter anyhow." "Mildred, she doesn't look like a lady either; she doesn't wear anything white round her neck; just a pink calico cape and an apron of the same, and another kind of calico dress." "No matter about that if she only acted and talked right. She's neat and clean, I suppose?" "Yes; I didn't see any soil on her clothes."