k.

Fanny was talking with Ralph;--for these young gentlemen had made the
simple and admirable arrangement, without in the least consulting
the ladies, that Verty should always entertain and be entertained by
Redbud, Ralph quarrel with, and be quarreled with, by Fanny.

Each, on the present occasion, was carrying out his portion of the
contract; that is to say, Verty and Redbud were quietly smiling at
each other; Ralph and Fanny were exchanging repartees.

They came thus to the knoll which they had stopped upon in the
forenoon.

The fine kite--tied to a root, as we have said--was hovering far up
among the clouds, swaying and fluttering its streamers in the wind:
the various colors of the paper, and the flowers almost wholly
indiscernible, so high had it ascended.

"Look!" said Fanny, "there it is up among the swallows, which are
flying around it as if they never saw a kite before."

"Female swallows, doubtless," observed Ralph, carelessly.

"Female? Pray, why?"

"Because they have so much curiosity; see, you have made me utter what
is not common with me."

"What, sir?"

"A bad witticism."

Fanny laughed, and replied, gazing at the kite:

"Your witticisms are, of course, always, fine--no doubt very classic;
now I will send up a messenger on the string. Redbud, have you a piece
of paper?"

Redbud drew the paper from her apron pocket, and gave it to Fanny,
with a smile.

Fanny tore the yellow scrap into a circle, and in the centre of this
circle made a hole as large as her finger.

"Now, Mr. Ralph, please untie the string from the root."

"With pleasure," said the young man; "for you, my heart's delight, I
would--"

"Come, come, sir! you make an oration upon every occasion!"

With many remonstrances at being thus unceremoniously suppressed, Mr.
Ralph knelt down, and untied the string.

"Does it pull strongly, Mr. Ralph?" said Redbud, smiling.

"Oh, yes! you know it was nearly as tall as myself--just try."

"The messenger first!" cried Fanny.

And she slipped it over the string.

"Now, Miss Redbud, just try!" said Ralph.

Redbud wrapped the string around her hand, and Ralph let it go.

"How do you like it!" he said.

"Oh!" cried Redbud, "it is so strong!--there must be a great wind in
the clouds!--Oh!" added the girl, laughing, "it is cutting my hand in
two!"

And she caught the string with her left hand to relieve the afflicted
member.

"Give it to me!" cried Fanny.

"Yes, give it t