"Sowed 'em in dis bed; and when dey drows up we'll have lots an' lots for mother an' you." "You silly, provoking little puss! needles don't grow. Show me where you put them." "Tan't dey's all round and round in de gwond." Mildred took up a bit of stick and poked about in the fresh earth for a minute or two, then remarking to herself that it was as bootless as hunting in a haystack, went into the house with the report of the hapless fate of the missing articles. The boys were there before her, penitently exhibiting the ruined cord and promising to do so no more. "We didn't fink, mother," pleaded Don, looking up in her face with such a droll mixture of fun and entreaty in his roguish blue eyes, that she could not refrain from giving him a kiss and a smile as she answered, "Ah, my boys must learn to think and not take mother's things without leave. Now run away to your plays and try to be good children." "Mother, I do think you're a little too easy with them," Mildred said in a slightly vexed tone. "Perhaps; but if I make a mistake, is it not far better to do so on the side of mercy than of severity?" "I suppose so; I shouldn't like to see them whipped." Then laughingly she told the story of Fan's doings, and as needles and cord must be replaced, put on her bonnet and sallied forth upon the errand. Mildred as one of the prettiest, most accomplished, graceful, and fascinating young ladies of the place, and belonging to one of the first families, was a good deal admired, and never lacked attention at a party, picnic or any sort of gathering of the young people of the town. As she left the store where she had made her purchases, Spencer Hall crossed the street and joined her. He was the only son of the wealthiest man in the place and, because of his great expectations, looked upon by most of the young girls and their mammas as a desirable match. Mildred, however, was of a different opinion, knowing him to be idle, purse-proud, vain and conceited. She therefore returned his greeting rather coldly; heartily wishing that he had not happened to see her, or that something would occur to rid her at once of his undesirable company. Greatly amazed would the young exquisite have been could he have read her thoughts; for he had no doubt that she felt highly gratified and honored by his notice. Was he not arrayed in broadcloth suit, silk hat and immaculate kids, while she wore calico, cotton gloves and the simplest of straw bonnets? And could not his father buy hers out ten times over? His manner was gracious and patronizing as he remarked--sauntering along by her side, "Why, Miss Mildred, can it be true that you are going to leave us? I don't see what Lansdale will do without you." "It is quite true that we are going, Mr. Hall," she answered, with a slight curl of the lip; "and I suppose my father and mother will be missed; but I can not think that my loss will in any way affect the prosperity of the town or the happiness of the people."