tell Content to stay in her room," whispered Sally,
hastily, for the callers, their white-kidded hands holding their
card-cases genteelly, were coming up the walk.

Sally advanced, smiling. She put a brave face on the matter, but she
realized that she, Sally Patterson, who had never been a coward, was
positively afraid before this absurdity. The callers sat with her on the
pleasant porch, with the young vine-shadows making networks over their
best gowns. Tea was served presently by the maid, and, much to Sally's
relief, before the maid appeared came the inquiry. Miss Martha Rose made
it.

"We would be pleased to see Miss Solly Adams also," said Miss Martha.

Flora Carruth echoed her. "I was so glad to hear another nice girl had
come to the village," said she with enthusiasm. Miss Dorothy Vernon said
something indefinite to the same effect.

"I am sorry," replied Sally, with an effort, "but there is no Miss
Solly Adams here now." She spoke the truth as nearly as she could manage
without unraveling the whole ridiculous affair. The callers sighed with
regret, tea was served with little cakes, and they fluttered down the
walk, holding their card-cases, and that ordeal was over.

But Sally sought the rector in his study, and she was trembling.
"Edward," she cried out, regardless of her husband's sermon, "something
must be done now."

"Why, what is the matter, Sally?"

"People are--calling on her."

"Calling on whom?"

"Big sister--Solly!" Sally explained.

"Well, don't worry, dear," said the rector. "Of course we will do
something, but we must think it over. Where is the child now?"

"She and Jim are out in the garden. I saw them pass the window just
now. Jim is such a dear boy, he tries hard to be nice to her. Edward
Patterson, we ought not to wait."

"My dear, we must."

Meantime Jim and Content Adams were out in the garden. Jim had gone to
Content's door and tapped and called out, rather rudely: "Content,
I say, put on your hat and come along out in the garden. I've got
something to tell you."

"Don't want to," protested Content's little voice, faintly.

"You come right along."

And Content came along. She was an obedient child, and she liked Jim,
although she stood much in awe of him. She followed him into the garden
back of the rectory, and they sat down on the bench beneath the weeping
willow. The minute they were seated Jim began to talk.

"Now," said he, "I want to know."

Content glanced up