"Well, your dinner's ready now," Mrs. Bolton said to Annie.
Idella had clung fast to Annie's hand; as Annie started toward the
dining-room she got before her, and whispered vehemently.
"What?" asked Annie, bending down; she laughed, in lifting her head, "I
promised Idella you'd let us have some preserves to-day, Mrs. Bolton."
Mrs. Bolton smiled with grim pleasure. "I see all the while her mind was
set on something. She ain't one to let you forget _your_ promises.
Well, I guess if Mr. Peck had a little more of _her_ disposition there
wouldn't be much doubt about the way it would all come out."
"Well, you don't often see pairents take after their children," said
Bolton, venturing a small joke.
"No, nor husbands after their wives, either," said Mrs. Bolton sharply.
"The more's the pity."