142 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



Not altogether a weak one, for its owner did begin to pick 

 a few berries, in a listless manner. Her vanity was not 

 alone to blame. The desire to find favor in love's eyes 

 helped out this rather silly view of things. 



A moment after, the reckless Johnny appeared, loaded 

 down with little strawberry baskets, and singing in a loud 

 voice that classical melody, " Captain Jinks." 



" Goodness, Johnny! stop that noise," exclaimed Mary, 

 petulantly. 



" Noise ! That's music. I'm rehearsing last night's 

 serenade.''' 



Kate laughed immoderately. 



" Hush, Kate ! " said Mary. " You will tell the whole 

 neighborhood. How can you be so boisterous ! " 



" Now, fellows," said Johnny, "let's see what can be 

 done. Pick is the word. Ten quarts at least. LeaTO the 

 hulls on, and top off each basket in a precise and elegant 

 manner." 



" Why not take the hulls off ? " said Mary. " It must 

 be done before they go to the table, and we may as well do 

 it now." 



" No," said Johnny. " They sell better so." 



" Sell ! What do you mean ? " 



" I mean we are going to sell them." 



" Does your father know it? " 



"No; but mother does. We sold some this morning 



