It's my doom, and I can't help it." They found Aunt Carrol with the old lady, both absorbed in some very interesting subject, but they dropped it as the girls came in, with a conscious look which betrayed that they had been talking about their nieces.

Jo was not in a good humor, and the perverse fit returned, but Amy, who had virtuously done her duty, kept her temper and pleased everybody, was in a most angelic frame of mind.

This amiable spirit was felt at once, and both aunts 'my deared' her affectionately, looking what they afterward said emphatically, "That child improves every day." "Are you going to help about the fair, dear ?" asked Mrs.Carrol, as Amy sat down beside her with the confiding air elderly people like so well in the young.
"Yes, Aunt.

Mrs.Chester asked me if I would, and I offered to tend a table, as I have nothing but my time to give." "I'm not," put in Jo decidedly.

"I hate to be patronized, and the Chesters think it's a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair.