VALLEY

THE MANSE CHILDREN 37"I don't believe it," said Una, who had thoughtWalter very handsome."Well, he writes poetry, anyhow. He won the prizethe teacher offered last year for writing a poem, BertieShakespeare Drew told me. Bertie's mother thoughthe should have got the prize because of his name, butBertie said he couldn't write poetry to save his soul,name or no name.""I suppose we'll get acquainted with them as soonas they begin going to school," mused Faith. "I hopethe girls are nice. I don't like most of the girls roundhere. Even the nice ones are poky. But the Blythetwins look jolly. I thought twins always looked alike,but they don't.I think the red-haired one is the nicest.""I liked their mother's looks," said Una with a littlesigh. Una envied all children with mothers. She hadbeen only six when her mother died, but she had somevery precious memories, treasured in her soul likejewels, of twilight cuddlings and morning frolics, ofloving eyes, a tender voice, and the sweetest, gayestlaugh."They say she isn't like other people," said Jerry."Mrs. Elliott says that is because she never reallygrew up," said Faith."She's taller than Mrs. Elliott.""Yes, yes, but it is inside Mrs. Elliott says Mrs.Blythe just stayed a little girl inside.""What do I smell ?" interrupted Carl, sniffing.Theyall smelled it now. A most delectable odour