“O, I’m so glad, mamma.  I was thinking I shouldn’t ever go to school, and should have to be sent to the ’Sylum.”

While Dotty was speaking, Johnny came up to the sofa, and, taking her hand, said, in a tone of real sorrow,—­

“Look here, Dotty; I was a naughty boy; will you forgive me?”

As Johnny was not in the habit of begging pardon, and did it now of his own free will, Dotty was greatly astonished.

“Yes, Johnny,” said she, “I forgive you all up.  But then I don’t ever want you to put my eyes out again.”

“I won’t, now, honest; see ’f I do,” replied Master Johnny, in a choked voice.  “And you may have that bouquet-holder, to keep; mother said so.”

“O, Johnny!”

“Yes; mother says we can call it a ‘peace offering.’  Let’s not quarrel any more, Dotty, just to see how ’twill seem.”

“What, never!” exclaimed Dotty, starting up on her elbow, and trying to look through her thick bandage at Johnny.  “Never!  Why, don’t you mean to come to my house any more, Johnny Eastman?”

“Yes; but I won’t quarrel unless you begin it.”

“O, I shan’t begin it,” replied Miss Dimple, confidently; “I never do, you know.”

Johnny had the grace not to retort.  He was ashamed of his ungentlemanly conduct, and knelt before the sofa, gazing sadly at his blindfolded little cousin.  It was a humble place for him, and we will leave him there, hoping his penitence may do him good for the future.

As for Miss Dimple, we will bid her goodbye while her eyes are closed.  Be patient, little Dotty; the pain will soon be over, and when we see you again, you will be trudging merrily to school with a book under your arm.