Dinner at Landis's

The following afternoon little Katie Landis came running down the road
and in at the Reist gate. She greeted Amanda with, "Mom says you got to
come to our place for supper."

"To-day?"

"Yes. She's goin' to kill two chickens and have a big time and she
wants you to come."

"Anybody coming? Any company?"

"No, just you."

"All right. Tell Mother I said thank you and I'll be glad to come."

"All right, I'll run and tell her. I'm in a hurry, for me and Emma's
playin' house and I got to get back to my children before they miss me
and set up a howlin'." She looked very serious as she ran off down the
lane, Amanda smiling after her.

Later, as the girl went down the road to the Landis home she wondered
whose birthday it might be, or what the cause of celebration. The child
had been in such great haste--but what matter the significance of the
festivity so long as she was asked to enjoy it!

"Here's Amanda!" shouted several of the children gleefully, very boldly
dropping the Miss they were obliged to use during school hours.

The guest found Mrs. Landis stirring up a blackberry pone, the three
youngest Landis children watching the progress of it.

"Oh, hello, Amanda. I'm glad you got here early. Look at these
children, all waitin' for the dish to lick. Don't it beat all how
children like raw dough! I used to, but I wouldn't eat it now if you
paid me."