or, The Silver Skates 133

“Ts that the way men dress in mourning in this country ?”

“Oh, no! The aanspreeker attends funerals; and it is his
business, when any one dies, to notify all the friends and
relatives.”

«¢ What a strange custom!”

“ Well,” said Lambert, “we needn’t feel very badly about
this particular death; for I see
another man has lately been
born to the world to fill up
the vacant place.”

Ben stared. “ How do you
know that?”

“Don’t you see that pretty
red pin-cushion hanging on
yonder door?” asked Lambert,
in return.

“ Yes.”

“ Well, that’s a boy.”

“A boy! What do you
mean?”

“J mean, that here in Haar-
lem, whenever a boy is born,
the parents have a red _pin-
cushion put out at the door.
If our young friend had been

 

a girl, instead of a boy, the wHE A ANSPREEICER:
cushion would have been white.

In some places they have much more fanciful affairs, all
trimmed with lace ; and, even among the very poorest houses,
you will see a bit of ribbon, or even a string, tied on the
door-latch.”’