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56
A NEW-ENGLAND TALE.

throwing her a bunch of carnations, "I have just come from the quarterly meeting, and I stopped as I came past your house, and picked these, for I thought their bright colours would be a temptation to the Quaker. And I thought too," said she, laughing, "there should be something to send up a sweet smelling savour from the altar where there are no deeds of mercy laid."

"Out of my yard instantly, you dirty beggar!" said Mrs. Wilson.

Bet turned, but not quickening her step, and went away, singing, "Glory, glory, hallelujah."

"Aunt," said Jane, "do not mind the poor creature. She does not mean to offend you. I believe she feels for me; for she has been sheltered many a time from the cold and the storms in our house."

"Don't give yourself the least uneasiness, Miss. I am not to be disturbed by a crazy woman; but I do not see what occasion there is for her feeling for you. You have not yet answered me."

"I have no answer to make. Ma'am," replied Jane, meekly, "but that I shall do my best to content you. I am very young, and not much used to work, and I may have been too kindly dealt with; but that is all over now."

"Do you mean, Miss, to say, that I shan't treat you kindly?"

"No, aunt, but I meant——excuse me, if I meant any thing wrong."

"I did expect, Miss, to hear some thankfulness expressed."