Mary's Rainbow

ers were at work. For some minutes the children watched them; then Berta a

of the four. Some of them turned away to hide a smile; but o

help; but you'll have to settle it with him. Wait, I'll ask

id Gus get them here so soon? It's not ten minute

entered t

packer, shaking with laughter, turned

ntance, Mr. Boss." Berta stepp

ade up his mind that the other men should find him equal to the occasion. "So

too big and heavy for us. But Dick's very strong. He has m

rolled up his sleeve and

ow things are in here. The pictures have to come

's only a baby; and maybe Uncle Rob and Aunt 'Lisbeth won't like it

ey won't. What does you

Boss, isn't they anything else that won't break

old on! Let me take another look at those muscles of yours, young man. Hm! There's a box on the fr

Then Berta's sharp eyes turned toward the parlor window, and she drew the others around behind the box. "They's peeking out the windows and laughing at us, so they is! They's not nice gemmans at

ndows opening into the library, where the

hose things for us

things

aid at breakfus. Do

yone just now. How about your own books and games?

the four scampered from

ee what we are up to. There, now, if she can tell that this

after us, Wilhelmina, when we go out--Mercy on us! What are they up to!" For from the staircase came

ing the door on him; and then she hurried after Mary, who, picking her way over the book

d; so we is!" wailed Berta as he

is not so bad as

e lifted her carefully and carried her into the library, feeling the frail little limbs to make sure that no bones were broken. Presently, s

his face and whispered, "Is--is litt

s tumble, dear. I cannot tell how s

f ev'ything, so she is! First her Lucy doll's head, and now

ll--did Uncle--

ch better, and I am sure she will soon be as well as e

aking care of h

honey. He is up

addy--it hurts-

o all know the very best thing to do for bumps. Mary will get some ice, an

want to help

e time jumping round our feets ev'y whichy way." Berta thought that someone should explain matters. "And she falled Beth down, an

ck are not hurt

eaded, Mother, but

d stirred, and the two slipped behind a screen to watch her when she woke. They heard a low gurgle of delight and saw her creep to the foot of the bed and clasp the doll in her arms, kissing her over and over again and crooning, "My most beauty chile, my most beauty chile!" And they almost laughed aloud when she began to examine the doll's sweet little face for the cracks which she knew should be there, feeling the rosy ch

imbed unsteadily over the side of her crib; but Beth, dazed from the pain in her head, took no notice

doll all well again, and--and then I'se going back to bed, '

eel much better. I think Lucy should be kept in bed for the rest of the day, and I am sure she would

tered among the straw in a basket meant for china and glassware. This was too much for the real workers, who felt that they could breathe easily o