distress. She could never bear to hurt a child. "I don't say I won't take her—but the idea is so new it has just kerflummuxed me. I must think it over."
"Mary is so smart," said Una again.
"Humph! So I've heard. I've heard she swears, too. Is that true?"
"I've never heard her swear—exactly" faltered Una uncomfortably. "But I'm afraid she could."
"I believe you! Does she always tell the truth?"
"I think she does, except when she's afraid of a whipping."
"And yet you want me to take her?"
"Some one has to take her," sobbed Una. "Some one has to look after her, Mrs. Elliott."
"That's true. Perhaps it is my duty to do it," said Miss Cornelia with a sigh. "Well, I'll have to talk it over with Mr. Elliott So don't say anything about it just yet. Take another doughnut, dearie."
Una took it and ate it with a better appetite.
"I'm very fond of doughnuts," she confessed. "Aunt Martha never makes any. But Miss Susan at Ingleside does, and sometimes she lets us have a plateful in Rainbow Valley. Do you know what I do when I'm hungry for doughnuts and can't get any, Mrs. Elliott?"
"No, dearie. What?"
"I get out mother's old cook book and read the doughnut recipe—and the other recipes. They sound so nice. I always do that when I'm hungry—especially
