otty had
been alarmed; but now her indignation got the better of her fears. When
she _did_ see Prudy again,--the sister who pretended to love her so
much,--she wouldn't take the presents out of her trunk for ever so long,
just to tease the naughty girl!

Meanwhile her father did not appear to be at all disturbed.

"Perhaps they have gone to the Islands, or somewhere else not far away,
to spend the day. It is now nearly two o'clock. You may go to the
Preble House with me, and take-your dinner, and then I will unlock the
house, and find some one to stay with you till night. Would you like
that? Or would you prefer to go at once to your aunt Eastman's? You may
have your choice."

Dotty reflected about half a minute. "I will go to aunt Eastman's, if you
please, papa."

This appeared to her decidedly the most dignified course. She would go to
aunt Eastman's, and she would not be in the least haste about coming back
again. She would teach her sisters, especially Prudy, that it is best to
be hospitable towards one's friends when they have been away on a long
journey. Her anger may seem very absurd; but you must remember, little
friends, that Dotty Dimple had now become a travelled young lady; she had
seen the world, and her self-esteem had grown every day she had been
away. Her heart was all aglow with love towards the dear ones at home,
and it was very chilling to find the door locked in her face. She did not
stop to reflect that no unkindness had been intended.

As they drove to aunt Eastman's, her father observed that her bright
little face was very downcast, but supposed her sadness arose from the
disappointment. There are depths of foolishness in children's hearts
which even their parents cannot fathom.

Strange to say, neither Mr. Parlin nor Dotty had thought that the family
might be visiting at Mr. Eastman's; but such was the case. It was
Johnny's birthday, and his father had sent the carriage into the city
that morning for Mrs. Parlin, grandma Read, and the children. As for
Norah, Dotty was right with regard to her; she _had_ walked out to the
Cape to see the auburn-haired Bridget.

"I'm glad Johnny was born to-day instead of to-morrow," said Prudy, "for
to-morrow we wouldn't go out of the house for anything, auntie."

"I can seem to see cousin Dimple," said Percy; "she'll carry her head
higher than ever."

Prudy cast upon the youth as strong a look of disapproval as her gentle
face could express.

"Percy,