by was
"as smart as a trap," and capable of anything in the way of
house-keeping duties. And though not blessed with the mildest temper--
people "as smart as traps" seldom are--she had the faculty of adapting
herself to circumstances, and of identifying herself with the family in
which she lived, in a way that stood in stead of a good deal. She was
quite too smart for the patient endurance of the whims of a nervous
invalid, and found positive refreshment in the present bustle and hurry,
and was inclined not only to be agreeable, but confidential on the
occasion.

"It's to be hoped it will amount to something this time," said she.
"All this fuss and worry ought not to go for nothing, that's a fact. It
would suit better all round, if they'd pay your pa at first, and have
done with it. I don't believe in presents myself--not till folks' debts
are paid at any rate," said Debby, looking at the subject from the
minister's family's point of view. "But I ain't going to begin on that.
Miss Bethia--she's been letting in the light on some folks' mind, but
as this visit has got to be, I only hope we'll get enough to pay us for
our trouble; and I wish it were well over."

The eventful evening came at last. It would be quite impossible to give
here a full and clear account of all that was said and done, and given
and received that night. It was a very successful visit, whether
considered socially, or with reference to the results in the way of
donations. Afterwards--a good while afterwards--they all used to think
and speak of it as a delightful visit indeed. It was not without its
little drawbacks, but on the whole, it was a delightful visit even at
the time, and afterwards all drawbacks were forgotten. Jem had a little
encounter with Mrs Smith, which he did not enjoy much at the moment,
but which did not spoil the remembrance of it to him. She did not seem
to resent his conduct about the boots. On the contrary, she placed him
under still further obligations to her by presenting him with the
"makings" of a jacket, which Jem accepted shamefacedly, but still
gratefully enough, quite forgetting the dignified resolution he had
confided to David, to decline all further favours from her with thanks.

David enjoyed the evening for the same reasons that all the rest enjoyed
it, and so did Violet, and for another reason besides. For the very
first time, she was spoken to, and treated as if she were a grown-up
young lady, and a