134 Tom Seven Years Old.

long time—he told me so. And I told him I
wouldn’t go into black.”

They carried the rest of the violets home.
Archie kept half to give to his mamma; but
the other half was put into the white vase
with tulips painted on it, which Tom had
bought in London as a present for his
mamma; and they looked prettier than ever.

“Was old Benjamin pleased ?” she asked.

“IT didn’t see him,” said Tom; “ Matty
wouldn't let me. But I gave her the violets
to take to him, and he will just have time to
look at them before he goes. And she has
promised to say good-bye for me,”