I had to tell him last week that even my Ladies' Aid out West wouldn't take him, and he was so disappointed.

But now--when he hears of this--he'll be so glad!" "Will he?
Well, I won't," ejaculated the man, decisively.

"Pollyanna, this is sheer nonsense!" "You don't mean--you won't take him ?" "I certainly do mean just that." "But he'd be a lovely child's presence," faltered Pollyanna.

She was almost crying now.

"And you COULDN'T be lonesome--with Jimmy 'round." "I don't doubt it," rejoined the man; "but--I think I prefer the lonesomeness." It was then that Pollyanna, for the first time in weeks, suddenly remembered something Nancy had once told her.