Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1888-04-05

afraid you II fall. "
'Me won fall. argued Katie, "Man
can catch me. He will, too. Won't
oo?"
Tom who was already on the top
step of the ladder, laughed as he looked
down.
"When 1 come down." no said,
''please wait till then to DO your climb
ing, and I'll do my best. I'm giving
spec al attention to tho climbers this
morning"
The lady broke into laugh, and
taking Katie by the hand, went on
around to the back of the house. Tom
working by the day he would certainly
have been n disgrace to the trade.
But il was finished at last, and he de-
scended the ladder just as she of the
black and gray wrapper appeared.
Il thought you must be through by
this time, she said, pleasantly. "Oh!
how nice it looks. l am thousand
times obliged. l am sure Mat could
not have done it half so well.
you overwhelm me-" cried Tom.
II am only supply, Miss" he
stopped, remembering that he did not
know her name. She prompted hin.
at once.
Il am Mrs. Lester" said she, smil-
ing.
Tom bowed, and Kate finding her.
self unnoticed for moment, slipped
her hand into that of her new friend.
100 didn't tell me 'oo'r name"
she said. trying to make her little feet
keep in stop with his.
my name is Tonl" he returned,
good-naturedly.
Tom, Tom" repeated the child.
softly. Il yike dat name. docs 90.
mammal"
Eyes. DEAR" said Mrs. Lester color
ing little. ''it is n very nice name,
but" with warning glance at Miss
Innocence. tripping gaily at Tom 5
| side. "you must not be so rude,
Katie"
"Is / wudeP" quered Katie 81
didn't never meant it, l sink" reflect
lively. IL sink should yike to kiss 90,
Mr.. Tom"
"And / sink" returned Tom,
quickly. in time to cover the reprov-
ing exclamation of Katie's mother,
"that l should like to have you kiss
me-"
He lifted the wee maiden in his arms
and kissed her heartily. They had
reached the porch by this time, and he
lifted his hat in farewell to Mrs. Les
ter. He carried Katie as far ~ the
gate, and kissed her goodbye twice.
100 mus tum an see me alden,
said Katie, hospitality. can 90 may
hold Delphine Mauda mex time"
''All right" said Tom. 'Good.by,
Katie"
''Dood bye, Mr.. Tom"
Tom was rather absent-mnded all
day. His mother laughed. but asked
no questions, and bore with her usual
! good humor his inattention to what
she said at dinner.
He took up the Times" after tea
but when he had held t before his eyes
Il little while, he found he had it up
side down.
A bevy OF girls called in the evening,
for Mrs. Norris was n favorite with all
girls, and they were wont to drop in
often, and usually Tom enjoved their
| lively chatter;but tom ght lie was spok-
en- to three time bY the prettiest girl
present. before he heard; and in turn
! ing mus for a little blonde. who was
singing his mothers favorite song he
went off into a revere forgot to turn
the music mt the right time, and made
Miss Bell lose her place.
Tom Norris isn't half so nice as he
was last summer" was the verdict of
the girls, when they left.
Tom strolled down past the white
cottage next morning. Katie was al
the gate. and welcomed him with a
shout.
How is 'oo?' she cried delightedly.
"'m lonely" said Tom, pausing in
his walk. ASK your mamma if you
can come for little walk with me- >"
Kate flew toward the house as fast rs
her feet would carry her, and in mo-
ment Mrs. Lester appeared in the door.
The wrapper she wore was blue and
white this morning and she had big
white ruffled apron on.
"Mr. Norrisi' she cried, "do YOU
really want TO be bothered with this
childp Come in and she shall be ready
directly. l am preserving" she con
tinued, as Tom came mp to the house
with alacritv, "Sit down hero or will
you come inp'
'Here, thanks" said Tom, taking
the rocker she drew forward for him.
NOW excuse me, please" said Mrs.
Lester "and Katie shall be down in Q
minute"
Don't be alarmed If keep her quite
Il while" Tom said, as he and Katie
started off soon after. 'I'll bring hel
safe home before dark"
Mrs. Lester laughed.
''You will tire of her before half that
time" she said kissing Katie.
Good bye. dear "
Good morning. Mr.. Norris.,'
Tom took his little friend on tour
of exploration. through confectionery
and toy shops, and then home will
him to dinner.
The afternoon was devoted to n triI
to the city, whittier he had promised tt
take his mother. and at dusk he walk
ed up to Mrs. Testers cottage, carry
ing very tired. happy little girl, ant
no end of packages and picture books
Mrs. Lester came out to welcome
them.
Il surely think you kept her lonI