A SPARROW SETTLES THE QUESTION The apple trees were not yet in bloom in the orchard, but the cherries were tricked out in dazzling white, and the peaches were blushing as prettily as possible.

On either side of the walk that led down through the garden, hyacinths, great mats of single white violets and bunches of yellow daffies were in flower, and as far as the children could see the fresh green orchard grass was gilded with dandelions.
"Isn't it lovely ?" cried Dodo, "I want to pick everything." She began to fill her hands with dandelions.

"Only I wish that mother was here"-- and a little quaver shook the merry voice.
"She will come by and by, dear," said Olive.

"You know your father had to go away on business, and you wouldn't like him to go all alone." "Why do people have business ?" "To earn money, to be sure, to buy your pretty frocks and shoes, and give you plenty to eat." "But House People are the only ones who must work for what they have--everything else takes what it wants." "There is where you are very much mistaken, Miss Dodo.

Everything works for its living in some way.