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66 to invite my company out into the kitchen. What do you say to making molasses candy and popcorn balls? It is just the night for it.”

“That’s just dandy!” exclaimed Ted, springing up with a force that sent his chair rolling back some inches.

“Ted, if you talk slang I sha’n’t give you any to eat,” said Bess laughingly. “But come, boys.” And she led the way into the large kitchen, where her mother soon followed them with five large gingham aprons in which she proceeded to envelop the lads, in spite of their derisive comments.

“I am not going to have you spoil your clothes, children, for then your mothers will scold us. Now, if I can’t help you, Bess, I am going to stay with Fuzz; and I leave you to do your worst.”

“Don’t go, Mrs. Carter,” implored Ted, and the others echoed him; but Mrs. Carter was not to be bribed, even by Phil’s noble offer to let her do his share of the work.

“I will eat your share of the candy, Phil, but I am going to stay with Mr. Carter and Fuzz. I’ll come and look at you by and by.” And,