unch of mignonette with the
scissors that hung from her belt. "Here's something for you to smell of as
you walk home," she said, and Hazel saw her new friend's hand tremble as
she held out the flowers. "Do you ever kiss strangers?" added the hostess
as she rose to her feet.

Hazel held up her face and took hold of Miss Fletcher's arm as she kissed
her. "I think you've been so kind to me," she said warmly. "I've had the
best time!"

"Well, pick the climbing rose as you pass," returned Miss Fletcher. "It
seems to want to see the world. Let it go along with you; and don't forget
to come to-morrow. I hope it will be pleasant."

She stood still, the warm breeze ruffling the thin locks about her
forehead, and watched the little girl trip along the walk. The child looked
back and smiled as she stopped to pick the pink rose, and when she threw a
kiss to Miss Fletcher, that lady found herself responding.

She went into the house with a flush remaining in her cheeks.

"How long you stayed, aunt Hazel," said the little invalid fretfully as she
entered.

"I expect I did," returned Miss Fletcher, and there was a new life in her
tone that Flossie noticed.

"Who is that girl?"

"Her name is Hazel Wright, and she is living at the Badgers'. She's as
crazy about flowers as I am, so we had a lot to say. She gave me a lecture
on religion, too;" an excited little laugh escaped between the speaker's
lips. "She's a very unusual child; and she certainly has a look of the
Fletchers."

"What? I thought you said her name was Wright."

"It is! My tongue slipped. She's coming to see you to-morrow, Flossie. We
must fix up your doll. I'll wash and iron her pink dress this very
afternoon; for Hazel has a beauty doll, herself. I think you'll like that
little girl."

That evening when uncle Dick and Hazel were at their supper, Mr. Badger
questioned her as usual about her day.

"I've had the most _fun_," she replied. "I've been to see Miss Fletcher,
and she took me into her garden, and we smelled of all the flowers, and
had the loveliest time!"

Hannah was standing behind the little girl's chair, and her eyes spoke
volumes as she nodded significantly at her employer.

"Yes, sir, she told Miss Fletcher where she was visiting, and she gave her
a bunch of mignonette and a rose to bring home."

"Yes," agreed Hazel, "they're in a vase in the parlor now, and she asked me
to come to-morrow to see an afflicted girl that's living with her. You