Presently Lucindy came in to light the lamps, and saw the child standing by old Jonas. "Honey!" she exclaimed in a startled tone, "ain't you tired to death? Ain't yo' legs 'bout to give way fum under you? I bet you Cally-Lou done gone ter bed----" "No," said Adelaide; "she's very tired, but she's standing up just like me." The next thing to happen was the entrance of Mr. Sanders, who seemed to bring the fresh breezes with him. He seized Adelaide in his arms, and carried her into the dining-room. When all were seated, Adelaide waited a moment, as though she was expecting something. Then she placed her little hands over her face, leaned her head nearly down upon the table, and said grace silently; and but for the audible amen, the men would never have guessed what she was doing. "I hope you mentioned my name," said Mr. Sanders, with due solemnity. The child paid no attention to the remark, nor did she even glance at any one at the table, until the genial guest turned to the host and made a polite inquiry. "Jonas, do you button these napkins on before or behind? I don't want to make any blunder if I can help it." At this, Adelaide looked up and saw that Mr. Sanders was trying to tie a corner of the tablecloth around his neck. The sight was so unexpected that she gave forth a peal of the merriest laughter ever heard, and Lucindy gave a snort of discomfiture. "I declar' ter gracious!" she exclaimed, "ef I ain't done gone and fergit de napkins!" The oversight was soon remedied, and everything went along all right until Mr. Sanders, taking a spoon in his hand, said to the child: "Miss Adelaide, I'll bet you and Cally-Lou can't do this." He placed the spoon so far in his mouth that nothing could be seen but a small part of the handle. Lucindy had to leave the room, and the child laughed until the tears ran down her cheeks. When she could control herself, she said, reproachfully: "Bishop, some day you'll choke yourself--you may ask anybody--and then what will the people do?" PART II Far over the hills, the wayward, White feet of the children run, Now gleaming in the shadows, Now glistening in the sun-- And always travelling dayward As they flit by one by one. --_Vanderlyn's Songs of the Past._