16 RHODA.

thrown away the core when she saw a light carriage coming
down the road. There was no one in the carriage but a lady,
who, seeing Rhoda, stopped her horse.

“Can you tell me how far it is to the Cross Roads?” she -
asked.

“Tt is about a mile, straight ahead,” replied Rhoda, who
had picked up Corn Silk, and had jumped down from her
perch.

“Then which way do you turn to go to Dr. Newton’s?”

“To the right,” said Rhoda; “but there is a nearer way
than that, only you have to go through the bars, but I will let
them down for you; they are just at the end of the orchard.”
And, without waiting, Rhoda ran on, reaching the bars almost
as soon as the horse did.

“Now, if you go straight on through the woods, you will
come to Dr. Newton’s place,” said Rhoda. “ You will come in
back of the barn, and you will save nearly a mile.”

“Thank you so much,” said the lady. “ Won’t you tell me
your name?”

“Tt is Rhoda Converse,” replied the little girl.

“T see you have a doll,” said the lady. “ What beautiful
hair she has!”

“Yes,” said Rhoda, proudly stroking it; but, unfortunately,
at that moment the apron in which the doll was dressed
became loosened, and down poor Corn Silk fell, showing her
legless and armless condition.