CHOOSING A PROFESSION. 143

the pepper. She cut some cold ham in nice
slices, and placed it on a large platter, in the
centre of the table. Then she ran into the
garden and gathered some fresh lettuce,
washed it, and arranged it around the ham.
She thought it looked beautifully! Shen then
put on the bread and butter, and a dried-peach
pie. Cold, clear water from the well com-
pleted the table arrangements

Thoughtful Bessie then placed a pitcher of
water, a white basin, and a clean towel, on a
bench by the kitchen door, and then blew a
tin horn, which she sometimes used as a signal
to call Tom home to dinner.

The boys left their work, and on arriving at
the house, Tom was much surprised at the
womanly thoughtfulness of Bessie, in preparing
the cleansing apparatus by the back door.
Howard had never performed his ablutions out
doors before; but he did it now with a good
grace ; and Tom did the same.

Bessie blushed as she said, “ Come folks, be
seated ;” and after that was quite at her ease.
Howard’s walk and work, together with the
wholesome. country fare, gave him a hearty