Page:Salem - a tale of the seventeenth century (IA taleseventeenth00derbrich).pdf/331

 who in the fullness of her own happiness longed to see every one else happy, said to her—

"Why, what is the matter, Winny? you seem to be in trouble. Tell me what it is, and see if I can not help you."

"So I be, ruther," said Winny, raising her dejected face; "but it aint nuffin' to trubble you wid. I wuz kinder 'flectin' like—dat's all."

"But I am afraid your reflections were sad ones," said Alice, kindly.

"Wal, dey wuz; I'm kinder puzzled like, Alice. Yer jest set down here, will yer?" and as she spoke she upset another of her tubs, dusted it, and, throwing her apron over it, signed to Alice to sit beside her; and Alice, who loved to humor the simple-hearted old woman, gravely complied, and sat tête-à-tête with her, prepared to listen.

"Yer see, Alice, de trubble is here. I'm feared I'se done wrong—kinder cheated like."

"Oh, no, Winny—no, indeed; I am sure you never cheated any one of a penny."

"Oh, no; it aint no money, an' I didn't mean to do nuffin' wrong; but I'm feared