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 is good natured, and never gets offended, so we like him after all."

"Is there any prize offered to the one who gets the right answer without assistance?"

"No. Mr. Spindlebotham,—that is such a funny name I always want to laugh when I speak it,—told lis to see who could do it alone, and Tom had so much to say about it that three of us resolved to try our best, as much for a joke on him as anything, he amuses us so with his airs. One morning, being late at school, he wanted to be very polite, so he touched his hand to his forehead and said, 'Good morning Mr. Spindlebotham,' which made us all laugh, for none of us ever think of addressing him by name. Now Rosa you must not talk to me any more, for I have almost got it if you have not put it out of my head,—x plus y equals"

"I should think you were a little beside yourself to-night, when you have done all the talking, to turn round and charge it to me. Never mind, go on."

After watching him for a few moments in silence, until he appeared about as much puzzled as he represented her to be, she rose, took the cat and pressed her closely around his neck, to which pussy responded by a faint mew.

"Father, I wish you would take care of Rosa, do see how she acts with us both."

Leaving the cat to Walter's mercy, she bounded off into her father's lap, throwing her arms about his neck, in which posture she remained some moments in silence, while he amused himself with twining her curls around his fingers.