my  own  some  day,  when  I  can  read ;  but  I  told
him  I  only  knew  the  letters,  and  that  all  the  bits
of  printing  I  ever  got  to  look  at  was  the  pieces
of  newspaper  the  things  come  wrapped  in  from
the  shop."

But  Zetta  did  not  heed  the  latter  part  of  the
sentence,  for  the  thought  of  separation  had
suddenly  presented  itself  in  all  its  blankness ;
and  dropping  the  things  from  her  hand,  she
sank  down  beside  him,  crying,  "  Oh,  don't  go
away  from  me,  Harry."

A  perplexed  look  of  pain  crossed  the  boy's
face  as  he  drew  her  closer  to  him,  saying,  "  I
told  the  gentleman  at  first  I  couldn't  go,  because
of  leaving  you,  but  he  said  you  should  be  took
good  care  of  till  I  was  well  again;  so  keep  up
heart,  Zetta,  and  think  how  nice  it'll  be  when
I  am  strong  and  well,  and  able  to  run  about
again."

"  But,  Harry,  Mrs.  Smith  will  serve  me  bad
when  you  are  gone:  she  thumps  the  children
ever  so,  if  they  don't  mind  her."

"  No,  Zetta,  she  won't,  if  I  ask  her  not  to.
