ter dripping
from his hat and shoulders that Nancy was as concerned as Saphrony and
Janie.

"You poor children," Saphrony cried, running around Peter in a flutter
of worry. "Take your coat right off this minit! Ain't I _glad_ I
started that fire! Fetch another stick, Janie. Well, well, well, now
ain't it a nice storm that brings folks here for shelter?"

The fire did feel good against their soaked backs and Nancy and Peter
enjoyed the chatter of the two funny, fussy little old women. The
kettle sang merrily, too, and steamed invitingly. Janie, at her
sister's bidding, opened a treasure-chest in the other room and brought
from it a piece of fruit cake, wrapped in a red and white napkin.

"A bite'll taste good with our tea," Saphrony explained, apologetically.

"Aren't they the cutest pair?" Nancy whispered to Peter. "And isn't it
the funniest little house?"

There seemed to be only the living room and kitchen combined and the
bedroom adjoining. The furniture in it was very old and very worn, but
everything was spotlessly clean. The red and white cover on the table,
the braided rugs on the uneven floor; and the piece-work cushions in
the armed chairs added a homey, cosy touch that made up for the little
luxuries lacking. Even in the storm the room was cheery.

Nancy forgot the storm in her enjoyment of the situation. Janie
removed the red and white cover and spread a very worn white cloth.
Saphrony took from a cupboard built in the wall a shiny pewter
sugar-bowl and cream pitcher. Peter, amid a storm of protest from both
little women, drew up some chairs.

"Now you stay right there by the fire," cried Saphrony. "We like to
fuss! Janie and I don't have folks here often. The hot tea'll warm
you."

The tea tasted very good, both Peter and Nancy declared over and over.
"It's just like a party," Nancy added, nibbling on the thinnest shaving
of fruit cake. Her evident pleasure set both little old ladies off in
a soft cackling of satisfaction.

"Do you two live here all alone?" Nancy asked, passing her cup for more
tea. "It seems so lonely."

"Lonely--not a bit! Janie and I've lived here all our lives. Not many
folks come 'long this road, but we don't get lonesome--not a bit!
There's always something to do. Folks just gets lonesome and miserable
when they're idle, I always tell Janie. A little more cake, Mister----"

"Peter," laughed Nancy. "Well, I shall remember this storm because
it's given