"I would much rather have rheumatism than itchy stockings," she protested quite gravely.

"I don't mind a bit, Aunt Pike.

And--well, you see we can't be sure that we shall have an old age, or rheumatics." Mrs.

Pike grew really angry.

"Put on those stockings at once, miss, and fasten them to your suspenders .-- Kitty, fasten yours too." "Oh, please let me wait," cried Kitty, "before I pull them tight; it is so awful." "Nonsense! It is more than half of it fancy.