THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND - CSIR

for the poor and the widows."
"There's no Scriptures saying Mother has to be the one to do all the caring," Judith retorted. "She wears herself out over
people like Widow Brown, and honestly, Mercy, if Mother were ill how many of them to you think would lift a finger to
help?"
"I'm sure they would," said Mercy promptly. "Besides, that's not the point. You'll give Kit a fine impression of us, Judith, and
anyway, we'd better start on the work that's waiting right here."
Judith did not move. Her attention had turned again to the row of trunks. "Do you mean to say that every one of those trunks
is full of dresses like the one you have on?"
"Well, dresses and petticoats, and slippers, and such. You have the same things yourselves, don't you?"
Mercy's laugh was a ripple of silver. "But we don't! We can't even imagine!"
"I can," said Judith. "I've seen the ladies in Hartford. Kit, how soon are you going to open them?"
"Right now, if you like," said Kit willingly.
Mercy was shocked. "Judith--what will our cousin think of us? Besides, there is all the work to be done."
"Oh, Mercy! There's always work!"
"I don't know--" said Mercy doubtfully. "Father says the Lord loveth not idleness. But then, the Lord doesn't send us a new
cousin every day. Perhaps He would forgive us for a little rejoicing--
"Oh, come, Kit, show us now!'' urged Judith, taking advantage of her sister's uncertainty. Kit was only too willing. As the first
lid opened, ail constraint was gone. Kit had never known many girls her own age. Her own eagerness rose at the sight of the
two eager faces so close to hers. How amazing that a few clothes could cause such excitement. Kit felt a surge of generosity
that was new and exhilarating.
"Imagine!" cried Judith, pulling out a handsome gown of filmy silk. "Five slits in the sleeves! Our minister preached against
slit sleeves and Father won't let us make even one. And so many ribbons and bows! And, oh, Kit--a red satin petticoat--how