ster have the loveliest hand embroidered
caps and aprons, with exquisite lace, that they brought from the old
country, and some of the other women are sort of turning up their noses
at them. I wish you'd go and say something extra nice to them."

Marian found her way to where Christine and Johanna Schmidt were
shrinking into a corner, painfully aware that their festal dress was
very different from their neighbors'. Marian asked after the children
and said one or two pleasant things to make them feel at home, then,
raising her voice a trifle so that the whole room might hear, she lifted
a corner of Johanna's apron, exclaiming: "Where did you get this
exquisite apron? I don't believe I have ever seen such a beautiful one.
May I look at the lace?"

Johanna colored with pleasure. She forgot her shyness and explained
eagerly. Marian did not leave her until she had made every woman in that
part of the room admire both hers and Christine's old country handiwork,
and they had promised to show her how to make the lace. There was no
more smiling at their unusual dress. Others followed Marian's example in
asking to be taught the beautiful craft. Old Jake himself, who had never
before considered his women folk as amounting to much, was so gratified
by the attention they were receiving, that he was more offensive than
usual.

"Never mind," said Frank, "I'll fix Jake."

The early part of the evening passed in visiting and games. Supper was
served at ten. There was a stir when the refreshments appeared. Word had
gone about that there was to be some hoaxing in connection with the
supper and everybody was firmly resolved not to be fooled. Marian
allayed suspicion by starting them off with delicious coffee and rolls
and cold ham and turkey. Having tasted these gingerly, and found them
delicious, both young and old grew less wary. Chicken Little came in
demurely with a great dish of pickles. The Creek loved pickles. It
helped itself plentifully. Captain Clarke got the first taste of brine,
but after one surprised grimace, he went on eating it heroically, while
he watched the others. Old Jake promptly fixed his eye on a nice
firm-looking green one. He lifted the fork awkwardly and attempted to
take the pickle. The pickle slid from under the fork as if it had been
greased. Jake was terribly afraid of being a laughing stock; he glanced
slily around to see if any one had noticed. Frank was watching from the
opposite side of the room, but