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 worry over the bills. Surprises that were always followed by more bills, with nothing to pay them.

But this evening his forehead was as lined as a washboard.

"I'm sorry you're bothered, Joe darling."

His arm tightened on her hand. "Don't you fret, Kate—it's just for the moment. We're all right. What did you do to-day?"

"Well, Carrie came in, for one thing, on her new bicycle."

"I saw her wabbling along Lake Street. How does Carrie always manage to look as if she was escaping from a cyclone in a stranger's clothes?"

"Now, Joe, it's mean to laugh! But she certainly does. She had to come in about some mix-up in Aunt Sarah's account at the bank. You know she's got a worse head for figures than I have, even—Aunt Sarah, I mean. You'd think she'd be good at them, she's so sharp about everything else, but I declare I believe Jodie can count up better than she can, and of course Carrie's no help. It's certainly a lucky thing for her that you take care of her investments for her. . . . What's this?"

"Some chocolate peppermints for you."

"Oh, goody! I was just wishing for some. . . . Joe, don't; you'll spoil your supper! Mmm! these are delicious! Look, aren't Miss Smith's lilacs lovely? She says I can pick all I want on this side of the fence. . . . Joe, please don't eat those peppermints! . ..