yet said least, was shown into the house. Rufe and Wad and Link and little Ch

he says he will give us the fawn, and pay me besides, if I will g

uppose, if Mr. Betterson was at home, he would let you take the mare. But you know, Lincoln,"-turning with a reproachful look to th

irk, straightened her emaciated form, and sat there, lookin

. Betterson?" Jack i

my husban

L. Bet

phia Bettersons,-a very wealthy and influential family," sa

ot mistaken, you are Mrs. Caroline Betterson,-a siste

Mrs. Betterson, surprised, but not overj

eard so much about them. I was with Vinnie's foster-brother, George Greenwood, i

tell a good deal about us; things that would no doubt tend to prejudice a stranger; though if

e had never heard Vinnie sp

felt above my family; and that when her mother died (she was not my mother, you know,-we are only half-sisters), I suffered her to be taken and brought up by the Presbits, when I ought to have take

t ever hear from her, or write to her, or have her visit us. Other folks have their aun

to poor, dear Lavinia-though, Heaven knows, I should be glad enough to see her; and I hope she has forgiven what se

ful girls in the world!" Jack exclaimed. "I mean, beautifu

ring up such a girl," said Mrs. Betterson,

it was a good thing for her to be brought up with George Greenwood. She owes a great deal

e way to a f

't be accused of feeling above my family now. Mr. Betterson has had three legac

ys must be a help and co

but they have been brought up to dreams of wealth, and th

ht have been better for th

level. But I can't forget, I can't wish them ever to

to the evidences of shiftlessness and wretchedness around them, which two such sturdy lads,

oughts, and he was glad when Link vociferousl

esumed, gathering herself up again with feeble pride, "that we are poor. Mr. Betterson will come into a large fortune when an uncle of his dies; and he gets help fr

rbear another hit

that you have. It also requires bo

ir father hasn't encouraged them very muc

had taken hold of work, I suppose we should. But while he sits down and waits f

one!" said Wad with a grin, illustrating his remark

mother boast of the aristocratic family conn

either me or my husband. Then our poor Cecilia met with an accident a

out of a swing,-the meanest trick! They're the meanest family in the world, a

nge, "you know he could never have meant to hurt

to have. With my sick baby, and my own aches and pains, what can I do? There are no decent house-servants to be had, for love or money

put away the supper things, and gone to the spring

ould have help about the hard work," w

hile this summer. But she had never seen the inside of a decent house

drinking. "I was so thirsty! Bless you, d

et, hardly repressi

, taking a fresh cupful from her pail, a

I can't bear the thought of your l

softly, "you should have

o my sick sister first," replied Lil

er of the big boys, and wondered how they could witness this scene and not be touched by it. But he only

od long enough for that," said Wad

. But don't infer that we consider the Dalton blood inferior. I was pleased with what you sa

ay of pitiful vani

ding that she may be proud of a

d by; for just then Link cam

on a coat, and made himself look as decent as possible. Then Jack drove away, pr

tful Lill, "we ought to h

k woman, "but you know we have

which he keeps on hand! Mother, I wish you wouldn't ever spe

nto tears, complaining that her

k-pail, and waking the baby. "Be sharpening the knives, Wad, while I milk; then