"

"Why doesn't the groom give it to his bride himself?"

"Because he's poor and kind of thoughtless, and anyway she isn't a bride
any more; she has three step and three other kind of children."

Adam Ladd put the whip back in the socket thoughtfully, and then stooped
to tuck in the rug over Rebecca's feet and his own. When he raised his
head again he asked: "Why not tell me a little more, Rebecca? I'm safe!"

Rebecca looked at him, feeling his wisdom and strength, and above all
his sympathy. Then she said hesitatingly: "You remember I told you all
about the Simpsons that day on your aunt's porch when you bought the
soap because I told you how the family were always in trouble and how
much they needed a banquet lamp? Mr. Simpson, Clara Belle's father, has
always been very poor, and not always very good,--a little bit THIEVISH,
you know--but oh, so pleasant and nice to talk to! And now he's turning
over a new leaf. And everybody in Riverboro liked Mrs. Simpson when she
came here a stranger, because they were sorry for her and she was so
patient, and such a hard worker, and so kind to the children. But where
she lives now, though they used to know her when she was a girl, they're
not polite to her and don't give her scrubbing and washing; and Clara
belle heard our teacher say to Mrs. Fogg that the Acreville people were
stiff, and despised her because she didn't wear a wedding ring, like all
the rest. And Clara Belle and I thought if they were so mean as that,
we'd love to give her one, and then she'd be happier and have more
work; and perhaps Mr. Simpson if he gets along better will buy her a
breast-pin and earrings, and she'll be fitted out like the others. I
know Mrs. Peter Meserve is looked up to by everybody in Edgewood on
account of her gold bracelets and moss agate necklace."

Adam turned again to meet the luminous, innocent eyes that glowed under
the delicate brows and long lashes, feeling as he had more than once
felt before, as if his worldly-wise, grown-up thoughts had been bathed
in some purifying spring.

"How shall you send the ring to Mrs. Simpson?" he asked, with interest.

"We haven't settled yet; Clara Belle's afraid to do it, and thinks I
could manage better. Will the ring cost much? Because, of course, if it
does, I must ask Aunt Jane first. There are things I have to ask Aunt
Miranda, and others that belong to Aunt Jane."

"It costs the merest trifle. I'll buy one and bring it to you, and we'll