preserves lay hard on my
awakened conscience. But I made up for that. Not for this winter nor
any winter, so long as they live, should Aunt Electry or Aunt Gozeman
want either for preserves or less brilliant condiments.

Indeed, I play at making home and occupation, and they of the Basin are
to me as my sheep through this wild, strange winter; and I as their sly
shepherd--sly, like Captain Leezur.

All except Vesty. To her child I can make gifts, unknown, through my
stanch friend, Lunette, even of food and clothing, but not to her. The
old frayed shawl is grander than any ermine, and the goddess' chest is
erect and broad; the winter will not kill her--but I have gazed sadly
in the mirror, and I go often to Captain Leezur.

XXIII

THE "FLAG-RAISIN'," OR "THE OCCASION"

"If there 's any fun going on," frankly admits Mrs. Kobbe, "you'll
all'as find me up an' dressed!" Perhaps I sympathize more truly with
her kind-hearted spouse, who says with a deep sigh: "We mustn't be
tackiturn jest because the wind's off the snow-banks."

So I go to the flag-raising.

"The Crooked Rivers and Capers have had their flag up these three
weeks," said Lunette; "and I heard how the Artichokes had h'isted
theirn yesterday. When the Artichokes have got their flag up, seems as
though the Basins had better be thinkin' o' what time it is in the
mornin'!"

"What is the flag to be raised for?" I inquired, with unsuspecting
innocence.

There was an afflicted silence; still they loved me. Lunette alone
answered at last, turning to Tyson, not to me.

"I should think it 's enough to have a flag-raisin' without a-askin'
what it is for!" said she. "What does trees grow for? What does
anything in natur' act the way it does for?"

I, ever safe anchored behind Lunette's championship, looked out
securely at the derelict Tyson, to see if he could answer. He could
not, but was abashed. Still I so far appropriated the hint, wisely and
delicately delivered, that I made no further inquiries, only giving
myself unhesitatingly to the joy of preparation.

The flag was to be raised over the school-house, and instead of wending
our way dissonantly thither, as was our habit in attending the
meetings, we were to go in procession!

A curious awe attached to this idea, in which I fully shared, as, being
formed in line, I tried to limp martially behind the valiant Lunette.

"Halt, by clam!" said our general.

"What is it?" came in whispe