132 Tom Seven Years Old.

them. The violets looked quite happy lying
softly one on the top of another.

“Now,” said Tom, when they had picked
for a long time; “don’t you think we've got
enough ?”

“Well,” said Archie, looking at them; “I
think it might perhaps press them a little if
we put more in.”

“Then we'll take them to old Benjamin,”
said Tom.

Archie was not himself acquainted with old
Benjamin, but he knew that he was a friend
of Tom’s. They each carried their own
basket, walking carefully. They were not
heavy tocarry. Tom still led the way. When
they reached the house, he was just going to
knock at the door, and say, “It’s me, Ben-
jamin!” when Matty came out.

“J’m sorry, Master Tom,” she said; “ but
hell not be able to see you to-day. He’s
taken very bad.”

“Oh!” said Tom; “I wanted to give him
these violets myself. I thought he'd like to
see them once again. Is he going, Matty ?”