iss."

Jilly drew in a long breath and began at the beginning again. She
plunged a fat hand into the market basket and aimed two hollyhock tops
in the general direction of Dick's diaphragm, repeating impressively:
"Wee-come, Unky Dick." She took no notice of his profound bow, but
looking up at Alice, who was leaning out the side of the seat watching
with amused eyes, she showered another handful upon the wheels and
horses hoofs impartially. "Wee-come, An-tee Alish," she said solemnly,
then, with a rapturous look of triumph, turned to the girls for
approval.

She got it, with numerous hugs and kisses for interest.

Dick surveyed the remainder of the reception committee critically.

"Chicken Little, I hate to mention it, but is there anything left on the
ranch to eat? I have been a little nervous all the time we have been
away, remembering the execution Katy and Gertie and Sherm were doing
when we left and now----" He gazed sorrowfully at the girls' plump
cheeks. "I know they have gained ten pounds apiece. Be frank with me,
Jane, is there anything left?"

"If there isn't, Dick, you might commandeer one of Chicken Little &
Co.'s pigs. They are fat enough to sustain you for a few hours," replied
Dr. Morton, glancing at the girls.

Katy and Jane also exchanged glances.

Dick was quite overcome when he caught sight of the triumphal arch and
the flag.

"Support me, Chicken Little, this reception is so, ah, flattering it
makes me faint with emotion. Young ladies, Dr. Morton," he placed one
hand over his heart and bowed low to each, "and esteemed----" he
hesitated, not seeing anyone but Jilly to include in this last
salutation, "esteemed fellows," he bowed once more, including trees,
bushes, and any other objects handy, with a courtly sweep of the arm,
"it is with deepest gratitude I----"

"Heart-felt sounds better, Dick," interrupted Alice, laughing.

Dick gazed at her reproachfully. "'Tis always the way when I try to
soar, my wife seizes my kite by the tail and pulls it down with a jerk.
I thought lovely woman was supposed to inspire a man to higher----"

Dick was interrupted in the middle of his complaining by Mrs. Morton's
coming out to greet them.

The next few days fairly flew by. Each member of both families had
thought of a variety of things that Alice and Dick must do before they
went home. Unfortunately, there were only twenty-four hours in a day and
it seemed necessary to spend part of these in sleep.