Prissy Baker was in Oscar Miller's store New Year's morning when her uncle，Richard Baker，a bachelor，came in.He did not look at Prissy，nor did she wish him a happy New Year.Uncle Richard had not been on speaking terms with her or her father for eight years.When she had been a little girl they had been great friends；but that was before the quarrel.
    When Prissy had been nine years old，Richard and Irving Baker had quarreled over the division of a piece of property.The fault had been mainly on Richard's side，and that very fact made him all the more stubborn.He had never spoken to his brother since，and he declared he never would.Prissy and her father felt very badly over it，but Uncle Richard seemed to have completely forgotten them.
    Richard told Mr.Miller that he was on business but that he didn't like it."Well，I always like a good dinner on New Year's，" said Richard. "It's about the only way I can celebrate.I got everything ready last night，but I won't get back before one o'clock，so I think I'll have to put up with a cold bite."
    After Richard had driven away，Prissy walked thoughtfully home.She had planned to spend a holiday with a new book.She did not even mean to cook dinner，for her father had had to go to the town that morning and would be gone the whole day.There was nobody else to cook dinner for.Prissy's mother had died long ago.
    Suddenly an idea popped into Prissy's head.Dared she？Oh，she never could!But he would never know.There would be plenty of time!
    Prissy had no trouble breaking into Uncle Richard's house，for the woodshed door was unfastened.She tripped into the kitchen with rosy cheeks and mischief sparkling in her eyes.In a short time，the kitchen was full of appetizing odors.As the clock struck twelve，Prissy had the table set.

Prissy was about to slip away when the door was pushed open.  
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When the meal was over，he talked to Prissy kindly and politely.  

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