HET EY S RED GOWAN.

“Red all-wool delaine,” said Hetty, in a low voice.

“‘ Here’s a very nice piece you can have for forty cents a yard. I have been
selling it for fifty,” said the storekeeper.

It was a beautiful shade, and Hetty’s eyes grew bright in admiration. As
she tested its fineness and softness she knew she needed not to repeat her
mother’s precautions. She had not supposed her two dollars could buy anything
so lovely. She was about to say, “ Cut me off five yards of it,’ when her eyes
fell on a piece of dark-gray cloth close beside her.

What a suitable gown for her mother that would make! How well it would
look on her, and how grateful she would be to Hetty! She stammered:

“ How much — what does that cost a yard?”

“That gray? It’s a remnant — seven and a half yards. I'll sell it for two
dollars. It’s a great bargain.”

Hetty pushed the red cloth aside ; she said, choking back her feelings :

“Pll take — the gray.”

“Not the red? That'll make the prettiest gown for you. It’s an extra
nice piece.”

EoBIN senor:

Mr. Lowe, who saw plainly that she wanted the red, was drawing it toward
her, but she turned away from it. So he folded the gray cloth and wrapped it
up, and Hetty waited at the store door, hardly knowing whether to be glad or
sorry for what she had done. Once, thinking of the beauty of the red cloth,
she was almost ready to go in and ask for an exchange ; but love for her mother
_ triumphed, and she began to find more comfort in the thought of the pleasure
in store for her.

“Tve got to go ’round to Pellet’s and collect last month’s milk bill,” said
Mr. Prior, as Hetty placed her bundle on the top of his numerous packages in
the back of the wagon.

They had difficulty in rousing any one in the house, and Mr. Prior was
obliged to get out and go to the barn to learn if any of the men folks were
there.

Ann now appeared, and stood laughing at Hetty from the doorstep.

Hetty was determined not to speak to her, and kept her gaze bent steadily
before her. She expected to hear Ann’s cutting gibes, but for once she was
saved them. Ann went around behind the wagon, and Hetty heard her go into
a little shed and shut the door.

Mr. Prior came back to say that no one seemed to be on the place.

“Ann’s just gone into the shed,” said Hetty.

“What'd she know ’bout the money?” said Mr. Prior crossly ; and they
drove away.

When Hetty reached home, and her father brought the purchases into the
house, what was the consternation of both to find the new gown missing.