"Quite time," reflected Mrs.Ann, "that she was Miss Leila." As she went with her through the town there were pleasant greetings, until at last they came to the butcher's.

Mr.Pole, large after the way of his craft, appeared in a white apron.

"Well, now, how you do grow, Leila." "Not enough yet," said Leila.
"Fine day, Mrs.Penhallow." He was a little uneasy, divining her errand.
"Now, Pole, before I make a permanent change to the butcher at the mills, I wish to say that it is because a pound of beef weighs less at Grey Pine than in your shop." At this time John was added to the hearers, being in search of William Pole with the Squire's order about the swimming.

He waited until his aunt should be through.

He was a little amused, which on the whole was, just then, good for him.
"Now ma'am, after all these years you won't drop me like that." "Short weights are reason enough." Leila listened, sorry for Pole, who reddened and replied, "Fact is, ma'am, I don't always do the weighing myself, and the boys they are real careless.