Come and watch the poor people pawn their samovars and candlesticks, to raise money for a pretty flag.

It is a holiday, little girl.

Rejoice!" You know the woman is mocking,--you are familiar with the quality of that smile,--but you accept the hint and go and watch the people buy their flags.

Your cousin keeps a dry-goods store, where you have a fine view of the proceedings.

There is a crowd around the counter, and your cousin and the assistant are busily measuring off lengths of cloth, red, and blue, and white.
"How much does it take ?" somebody asks.