The new South-news., 1908-08-01
When Harry Was a Girl.

Mamma Marvin was IN lots OF trol
Bile that morning. for telegram h
come saying that grandma had bro
her arm, and wanted her daug
right away. OF course. the baby
to go with her, but It was out OF
question 10 take the twins and II
and Maud. II poor grandma yAA isssn(
ing. she could not have four live
children In her house besides the baby
but what TO do with the little folk
Mrs. Marvin did not know.
I'm keep them for you" said deepV
voice, and all the children jumped; for
they were very much afraid Of Miss
Perkins, who had lately moved into
the cottage across the way. Mr.. Mar
win told me of your trouble. and can
stay as well as not"
"Oh. thank you. Miss Perkins," said
mamma, much relieved. Children.
you must all be very good today Take
good care Of"
Come" said papa, "or the train
will leave us. Miss Perkins will take
care OF the youngsters, and We are
ever and ever so much obliged to
herr"
He hurried Mrs. Marvin to the bug
gy and the little folk, running about
in their night-clothes, barely got a
tiny kiss apiece Soon the cloud OF
dust following Prince Charlie and the
buggy disappeared. and four sober
boys and girls went back into the
house.
"Tll dress you" said Miss Perkins.
And the children were too awed to tell
that they always buttoned each 9TH
er's clothes. and laced their own shoes.
Come" she sa,u. holding up a ruff
fed gingham dress and some little
white skirts; but Harry held back
Them amt mine," he stammered.
"Oh we'll, ii doesn't make any diff
ference for today Maybe | won't get
them just right, but tnat doesn't mat
ter said the voice that always fright
ened the children, because it seemed
to come clear from Miss Perkins shoes.
Presently Harry, with his curls comb
ed and white apron over the gng-
ham dress, was eating breakfast with
the rest, and they were all talking in
whispers. ITS on account Of these
curls,' said Harry, with tears in his
eyes. II mamma would cut them OF
nobody would call me little girl"
Never mind" said Maud, trying to
comfort her brother; well play in the
orchard all day, and nobody will see
you
Miss Perkins wondered why the chill
dren were 50 quiet, and only said,
Yes ma'am," and mo ma'am" to
everything she said. They usually
were so jolly and full OF play, but to-
day they played quietly in the orchard.
Some boys and girls came to see them;
but Miss Perkins could not find them
when she looked everywhere, and the
visitors had to leave without seeing
the Marvin children. How surprised
the good lady would have been II she
could have peeped behind the big
brush-pile where four little peonh
crouched, with poor Harry alm,s
smothered in the middle.
And were they good children ?" al
ed mamma when she came back I'd
evening.
Yes. indeed" said Miss Perki
heartily. Il would have thought they
were sick, they were SO quiet: but they
ate their dinner and supper all right.
so suppose they were only home-sick
for you and Mr. Marvin
Why, Harry, what are you doing
with Mand's dress ong cried Mrs. Mar
win in astonishment. catching sight OF
her son shrinking behind the twins.
oh, mamma, please tell her amt
no e'rl'' sobbed Harry. running to
hide his face in his mothers lap. And
can't have these curls cut off?"
The first thing in the morning you
shall go to the barbers." said papa
firmly. Il have been thinking of it
for some time. but mamma thought
thsy looked so cunning. Don't cry.
dear,"
Miss Perkins looked as IL she wanted
very much TO laugh: but she only said.
IN her big tones: We'll. sonny. why
didn't You tell me?"-JoLrua and
Messenger