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The Keeper of the Bees

“It is ‘woman’s stuff.’ It’s things that belonged to wee Jamie’s mother.”

The Little Scout stood very still holding the package toward Jamie, and Jamie saw the lips open and he knew that the question was going to be: “May I see?” And someway, he did not feel that he could stand to touch those things. So he reached his hand and said quickly: “Some day I’ll let you see what’s in that package.” It did not occur to the little Scout that Jamie did not know what was in it himself. So they put the package back in the drawer and covered it with clothing, and then they went down to the corner grocery and bought what the little Scout called a “party.”

After they had finished the “party,” and Jamie had been told every detail of what had occurred in the morning, the little Scout arose from the table and helped to put away the food and wiped the dishes.

“Now, what shall we do?” inquired Jamie.

“Well, I don’t know what you’re going to do,” said the small person, “but I know what I’m going to do. I’m going home to Mom and Jamie. I been taking care of him so much the last few days that he knows me better than he does anybody else, and he likes me better. I know how to fix his bottle now and get his milk just right with the thermometer and everything. The rest of the way I could take care of him myself if I had to. I’m pretty near doing it anyway.”

“But that’s girl’s work,” suggested Jamie.

“Yes, I know,” said the little Scout, “and if it’s what