ust right in this
world--_when you can't help it_."

With which sage remark Prudy stepped out of bed, and began to dress
herself. Dotty planted her elbow in the pillow, and leaned her head
on her hand.

"I don't believe it happens just right for Mrs. Rosenberg to keep that
dog, or to thump so with a thimble; but, then, I don't know."

"I'm hurrying to get dressed," said Prudy. "The first bell has rung."

"Why, I never heard it," cried Dotty, springing up. "I wouldn't be late
to-day for anything."

Prudy looked anxiously at her little sister to see if she was cross; but
her face was as serene as the cloudless sky; she had waked up right, and
meant to be good all day. When Dotty had one of her especially good days,
Prudy's cup of happiness was full. She ran down stairs singing,--

"Thank God for pleasant weather!
Shout it merrily, ye hills,
And clap your hands together,
Ye exulting little rills.

"Thank him, bird and birdling,
As ye grow and sing;
Mingle in thanksgiving,
Every living thing,
Every living thing,
Every living thing."

Dotty was so anxious to redeem her character in everybody's eyes, that
she hardly knew what she was doing. Mrs. Parlin sent her into the kitchen
with a message to Norah concerning the turkey; but she forgot it on the
way, and stood by Norah's elbow gazing at the raisins, fruit, and other
nice things in a maze.

"What did my mamma send me here for? She ought to said it over twice.
Any way, Norah, now I think of it, I wish you please wouldn't starch my
aprons on the inside; starch 'em on the outside, 'cause they rub
against my neck."

"Go back and see what your mamma wants," said Norah, laughing.

"Why, mamma," cried Dotty reappearing in the parlor quite crestfallen--"
why, mamma, I went right up to Norah to ask her, and asked her something
else. My head spins dreadfully."

Mrs. Parlin repeated the message; and Dotty delivered it this time
correctly, adding,--

"Now, Norah, I'm all dressed for dinner; so I can do something for you
just as well as not. Such days as, this, when you have so much to do, you
ought to let me help."

To Dotty's surprise Norah found this suggestion rather amusing.

"For mercy's sake," said she, "I have got my hands full now; and when you
are round, Miss Dotty, and have one of your good fits, it seems as if I
should fly."

"What do you mean by a good fit?"

"Why, you have spells, child--you know you do--when butter wouldn't melt
in