dye which stained her hands. Then she
had--grumbling bitterly all the time--given the jacket, vest, and
trousers a good shake, and hung them over a clothes-horse as near to the
fire as she could get them without singeing.

Mrs Millett told her to be sure and get them nice and dry, and Maria
did get them "nice and dry."

And now Dexter had put them on and presented himself before Helen,
suggesting that he looked a guy.

Certainly his appearance was suggestive of the stuffed effigy borne
about on the fifth of November, for the garments were shrunken so that
his arms and legs showed to a terrible extent, and Maria's wringing had
given them curves and hollows never intended by the cutter, the worst
one being in the form of a hump between the wearer's shoulders.

"The things are completely spoiled. You foolish boy to put them on."

"Then I can't go to that other house."

"Nonsense! You have the new clothes that came from the tailor's--those
for which you were measured."

"Yes," said Dexter reluctantly; "but it's a pity to put on them. I may
get 'em spoiled."

"Then you do not want to go, Dexter," said Helen, smiling.

"No," he cried eagerly. "Ask him to let me stop here."

"No, no," said Helen kindly. "Papa wishes you to go there; it is very
kind of the Danbys to ask you, and I hope you will go, and behave very
nicely, and make great friends with Edgar Danby."

"How?" said Dexter laconically.

"Well, as boys generally do. You must talk to him."

"What about?"

"Anything. Then you must play with him."

"What at?"

"Oh, he'll be sure to suggest something to play at."

"I don't think he will," said Dexter thoughtfully. "He don't look the
sort of chap to."

"Don't say chap, Dexter; say boy."

"Sort of boy to play any games. He's what we used to call a soft Tommy
sort of a chap--boy."

"Oh no, no, no! I don't suppose he will be rough, and care for
boisterous sports; but he may prove to be a very pleasant companion for
you."

Dexter shook his head.

"I don't think he'll like me."

"Nonsense! How can you tell that? Then they have a beautiful garden."

"Can't be such a nice one as this," said Dexter.

"Oh yes, it is; and it runs down to the river as this one does, and Sir
James has a very nice boat."

"Boat!" cried Dexter, pricking up his ears. "And may you go in it!"

"Not by yourselves, I suppose. There, I'm sure you will enjoy your
visit."

Dexter shook his head again.

"I sa