rowfully; "but may I take his
apples?"

"Well, yes; you may do that, and, some day, when you are a big boy, and
earning money, you can buy him a whole barrel full."

"I might keep a few of them?" Freddie questioned, such extreme generosity
overpowering his imagination.

"We will see when the time comes."

Mrs. Blake beckoned me to her side, at the further end of the room.

"I didn't give him these; I put 'em out of sight till you'd come."

"But I wanted him to get them while I was away."

"Yes, I know; but it'll be easier to thank you right off, when he's
surprised. My! he'd soon have been able to fly; his clothes is that
ragged."

"Yes, they are very poor; but, some way, one don't see much but his face.
I forget that he is poor and ragged when I look at him."

"We're not all so blind as that. I'm going now to tell him."

"Mr. Bowen, you'll think it never rains but it pours. I've another
surprise for you."

"What is it?" He turned his face in the direction of her voice.

"Miss Selwyn got you the finest piece of cloth I've sot eyes on this many
a day, to make you a new suit of clothes. Just feel of that, now."

He stroked it softly for a moment, and then turned his flushed face to
me. "You will bankrupt us with your generosity, Miss Selwyn. But God will
pay you. He is rich and wise."

"You are paying me, too, Mr. Bowen. Prayers are better than gold."

He said nothing, but took up a fold of the cloth and stroked it, I
thought, lovingly.

"I need no longer envy the swallows who build their nests in the eaves of
the Lord's house. How my soul will rejoice to meet once more with His
people! 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.'"

For a moment he seemed to forget our presence. Mrs. Blake, always
practical, brought us all down to earth again by suggesting that we get
the suit made as soon as possible.

"If the tailor will cut it for us, a few of us women folk will come in
and make it right off, so's he can get to meeting. Dan'el'll be glad to
come and take him there every Sunday."

"I could lead grandfather," little Fred stoutly asserted. "I've been past
there lots of times."

"Are women as good tailors as men?" I asked, doubtfully.

"I reckon not; but they're enough sight cheaper, especially when they
work for nothing. Tailors is awful dear."

"I want the clothes to look nicely. I will pay the tailor."

"We can make the vest and pants well enough if he cuts 'em and makes the