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 thinks much of having any little relish sent in by a friend."

"That is thrue, Misthress; an' I'll go with the cup before I brings dinner to the table; though Miss Nattie, here, must plase to look to the mate and praties whilst I'm gone."

"That I can easily do," said Nattie, from her cushioned chair.

"An' I'll be much obleeged," returned Biddy, taking the glass of jelly and retiring.

The little time-piece on the mantel ticked away till fifteen minutes were told. The mother then reminded Nattie of the articles of food in process of cooking, which required looking to.

"Pretty soon," was the response; "Biddy has but just gone out, now."

"She has been gone a quarter of an hour," said Mrs. Nesmith; "I'm sure the potatoes must need to have the water poured off, and the kettle set back on the stove."

"Oh, dear! I never can have a minute's peace,"