ings like tablecloths and sheets that
have to be rubbed."

The lilac and the Gloire de Dijon roses outside the window swayed in the
soft breeze.

"It's a nice drying day--that's one thing," said Bobbie, feeling very
grown up. "Oh, I do wonder what wonderful feelings we shall have when we
WEAR the Indian muslin dresses!"

"Yes, so do I," said Phyllis, shaking and squeezing the muslin in quite
a professional manner.

"NOW we squeeze out the soapy water. NO--we mustn't twist them--and then
rinse them. I'll hold them while you and Peter empty the bath and get
clean water."

"A presentation! That means presents," said Peter, as his sisters,
having duly washed the pegs and wiped the line, hung up the dresses to
dry. "Whatever will it be?"

"It might be anything," said Phyllis; "what I've always wanted is a Baby
elephant--but I suppose they wouldn't know that."

"Suppose it was gold models of steam-engines?" said Bobbie.

"Or a big model of the scene of the prevented accident," suggested
Peter, "with a little model train, and dolls dressed like us and the
engine-driver and fireman and passengers."

"Do you LIKE," said Bobbie, doubtfully, drying her hands on the rough
towel that hung on a roller at the back of the scullery door, "do you
LIKE us being rewarded for saving a train?"

"Yes, I do," said Peter, downrightly; "and don't you try to come it over
us that you don't like it, too. Because I know you do."

"Yes," said Bobbie, doubtfully, "I know I do. But oughtn't we to be
satisfied with just having done it, and not ask for anything more?"

"Who did ask for anything more, silly?" said her brother; "Victoria
Cross soldiers don't ASK for it; but they're glad enough to get it all
the same. Perhaps it'll be medals. Then, when I'm very old indeed, I
shall show them to my grandchildren and say, 'We only did our duty,' and
they'll be awfully proud of me."

"You have to be married," warned Phyllis, "or you don't have any
grandchildren."

"I suppose I shall HAVE to be married some day," said Peter, "but it
will be an awful bother having her round all the time. I'd like to marry
a lady who had trances, and only woke up once or twice a year."

"Just to say you were the light of her life and then go to sleep again.
Yes. That wouldn't be bad," said Bobbie.

"When _I_ get married," said Phyllis, "I shall want him to want me to be
awake all the time, so that I can hear him say how nice I am."

"I think it would be nice