Connecticut western news., 1884-11-19

shook her head. And all the next day, while they were hunting May-howers in the grove, the cow-slips and violets by the brookside, and kept her own little secret with merry good nature. It was not until she and Sue, laughing and chattering like two magpies, were sort ing and arranging their floral treasures on the piazza at home, that Fay came at last to tell.
 "You might as well," said Sue, "Pl know anyway"
 Then zay's rose face grew suddenly sober.
 'I suppose you'll laugh at me, said she, ''and maybe you'll tell, and then they all will. But I can't help it if you do. It's for-for Miss Weaver, Sue. It's funny you haven't guessed" She dropped her flowers that minute in mortified amazement.
 "Guessed Cross patch Weaver !' cried she. "I never saw such 8 girl as you are, Fay Decker I'd sooner have guessed Captain Bakers monkey l What J
 1T don't know," replied Zay meekly, ''I didn't think 1t was queer. She's all alone so, and I'm sorry for her, and I don't know much of anybody else. And think maybe mamma would want me to-"
 "Humph p said Sue.
 Don't be cross, Susy l"
 "Well, I won't" said Sue; ''but I don't see what ever possesses you to do such & thing. We'll. she'll set her cat on youp
 Z4y laughed merrily.
 T don't dare to go with you," said Sue.
 She did, however. When the stars be- gan to come out in the clear sky, Zay took her basket, with its little offering of blossoms and sweetmeats, under her shawl, and together she and Sue made their way to the tiny brown house. She waited at the gate while Fay went up to the path between the rows of hlacs-up Miss Viewers trim garden path. Her eyes grew large, and her cheeks burned, and her heart beat loud and fast. But the thought of Sue arriving at the gate gave her courage; for wasn't Sue black eyed little girl, and brave as all black eyed little girls are said to be So Fay hung her basket carefully on the door; and then she rapped very softly; and
 She didn't run. Out at the door popped Miss Weaver. Sue said after ward it made her think of Jack-in-the- box. And Miss Weaver, with an angry exclamation, caught Zay's shoulders, and gave them good shaking before Bay could realizs what 1t was all about. For how should she know that on May night the mischievous village boys took delight in knocking at Miss Weaver's door, and in getting out of sight before she could open it
 "But I've got you this time," said Miss Weaveri and her black eyes snapped in the starlight "Now, what did you do it for ?"
 Zay's blue eyes filled with tears, and her voice shook sadly.
 "I-l didn't think you would care if --.it hung you May-basket." :"
 "Eh l'' said Mss Weaver, facing sharply asound, with her hand still on Zly's shrinking shoulder.
 "You didn't. hang me May -basket?"
 "Yes'm," said Fay. And Sue, who had come boldly forward, ready to act m zay's defence, added; "Yes, she did though tired to get her not to. I told her you'd be angry"
 For moment Miss Weaver gazed at the basket in astonishment.
 w lat did you do it for?" asked she again.
 Because" Fay said-"because-"
 "I'l tell you, said Sue; "she thought you were all alone and were lonesome, and she pitied you"
 Because, I'm kind of all alone, too, this summer" put in Bay, softly.
 fIt's just like her. anyway" said Sue, still thinking wrsthfully of the shaking. "She's the best''--
 "Oh, no P interposed Fay.
 Miss Weaver at that minute laid her hand gently on Zay's head. Surely surely something had changed that old face. The thin lips trembled--surely they trembIed, and the black eyes were glistening.
 "I'm sorry I shook you, little girl said che, "but I've had my life about pestered out with their actions and I b ought you was one of lem. I'm real sorry I shook you"
 But Zsy. with beamiug face, declared it was no matter at all.
 "Only I'm glad if you are pleased with vonr May basket" said she.
 "Well, am," said Miss Weaver ''I am pleased"
 As she said it there was a quiver in her voice. Then she tipped Zay's face up to hers and kissed it "a funny little pecking kiss, and she wonlere1 if that were the oId-fashioned way of kissing.
 "And I'd like to have you come and pay me visit-both of you," said Miss Weaver.
 "Oh, we will, :" said Bay and Sue.
 Then presently they said "good night" and went down the garden path again. It seemed almost like dream when, the next Monday morning, they came iu sight of the little brown house that Miss Weaver had actually kissed Fay, aud then asked both to go and see her.
 'I almost believe we were asleep" said Sue, "and dreamed 1t all"
 But that couldn't have been. Miss Weaver came down to the gate with 8 pleasant smile on her face and with her hand full of lilacs.