ten, that she digressed, quite unconsciously, from the truth and, at
the last few calls, made Nancy out a most shocking young person!

"I _can't_ tell you--I _wouldn't_ tell you--all the goings _on_ at that
Cove," was her favorite introduction. "And in the orchard, too!
_Anyone_ could have told Sabrina Leavitt she was a _fool_ bringing the
creature here--that branch of the family, _everyone_ knows, wouldn't be
above doing _anything_!"

So while happy Nancy arranged flowers for the party the expected guests
entrenched themselves behind their closed blinds, their righteous
satisfaction tinged the very least bit by regret born of immense
curiosity.

However, there were two exceptions. Samuel Todd, the postmaster, was
an aspirant for a seat in the State Legislature. His ancestors had
never lived anywhere else but on the Island and he had inherited a
wholesome respect for the Leavitt name. He was enough of a politician,
too, to know that, even though she was an old woman, he might sometime
need Miss Sabrina's good-will.

"You go 'long and keep your eyes open and your mouth shut," he had
advised his wife when, after Mrs. Eaton's hurried call, she had sought
his counsel. "You women talk too much, anyway."

Mrs. Todd, for once, was delighted to do his bidding; Carrie Baker,
over at North Hero, had made over her yellow muslin so that it was
"better'n new--and just lyin' up there in the closet catchin' dust,"
she explained to Mrs. Sniggs. Mrs. Sniggs promptly offered to
accompany her.

"I'm that _curious_ to see that mantel--and the girl, too!"

So that, when the hour of the party struck and found Nancy, like a
flower, with Miss Sabrina and Miss Milly, on the lawn, ready to receive
their guests, the only guests (excepting Peter Hyde and the Hopworths
and Miss Sabrina and B'lindy, peeking from the door, did not count
them) were Mrs. Sniggs and Mrs. Todd.

Liz Hopworth with Nonie and Davy had come early. Davy shone as to face
and feet; the grandeur of the new shoes Peter Hyde had given him quite
made up for the small things lacking in the rest of his appearance.
Liz was trying not to pant in a plum-colored cashmere that was many
sizes too small for her gaunt frame. Nancy had managed to place her
near Aunt Milly--Aunt Milly was sure to be cordial and gentle with her
and put her at her ease.

Webb and Peter Hyde had come early, too. Nancy had caught herself
watching for Peter Hyde. She had given a little involunt