ing a cluster of white roses out of her
bosom to make room for the pansies, though they did not suit the blue
gown half so well.

Just then Aunt Jessie came in to help them receive, with Jamie to make
himself generally useful, which he proceeded to do by hovering around
the table like a fly about a honey pot when not flattening his nose
against the windowpanes to announce excitedly, "Here's another man
coming up the drive!"

Charlie arrived next in his most sunshiny humor, for anything social
and festive was his delight, and when in this mood the Prince was quite
irresistible. He brought a pretty bracelet for Rose and was graciously
allowed to put it on while she chid him gently for his extravagance.

"I am only following your example, for you know 'nothing is too good
for those we love, and giving away is the best thing one can do,'" he
retorted, quoting words of her own.

"I wish you would follow my example in some other things as well as you
do in this," said Rose soberly as Aunt Plenty called him to come and see
if the punch was right.

"Must conform to the customs of society. Aunty's heart would be broken
if we did not drink her health in the good old fashion. But don't be
alarmed I've a strong head of my own, and that's lucky, for I shall need
it before I get through," laughed Charlie, showing a long list as
he turned away to gratify the old lady with all sorts of merry and
affectionate compliments as the glasses touched.

Rose did feel rather alarmed, for if he drank the health of all the
owners of those names, she felt sure that Charlie would need a very
strong head indeed. It was hard to say anything then and there without
seeming disrespect to Aunt Plenty, yet she longed to remind her cousin
of the example she tried to set him in this respect, for Rose never
touched wine, and the boys knew it. She was thoughtfully turning the
bracelet, with its pretty device of turquoise forget-me-nots, when the
giver came back to her, still bubbling over with good spirits.

"Dear little saint, you look as if you'd like to smash all the punch
bowls in the city, and save us jolly young fellows from tomorrow's
headache."

"I should, for such headaches sometimes end in heartaches, I'm afraid.
Dear Charlie, don't be angry, but you know better than I that this is a
dangerous day for such as you so do be careful for my sake," she added,
with an unwonted touch of tenderness in her voice, for, looking at the
gallant figure b