the party for Randy, and Randy appeared in just her
_best dress_," said Janie with a bit of emphasis.

"Well, well I didn't know ye was expected ter dress different fer a party,
excepting that ye'd likely 'nough dress up some. Her father said when we
started out this morning,

"'Git whatever Randy needs ter make her look right, and at the same time
honor Miss Dayton, since she's kind 'nough to ask Randy to her home,' so
if she needs a party gown why we'll choose one, but I tell ye again,
Janie, don't ye make her look like one er them wooden-lookin' girls er
prancin' about on the fashion plates, fer I couldn't stand that."

With a commendable determination to make for Randy a dainty party gown
which should at the same time be sufficiently simple in style to please
Mrs. Weston, Janie chose a thin white muslin with white ribbons for its
only trimming.

"I like that for a party dress, only it seems a little cool fer winter,"
remarked Mrs. Weston, "but I s'pose she will wear extry flannels under
it."

"Not if I know it," said Janie under her breath, for she had her own ideas
for making the dress, and thick flannels to completely hide the
transparency of the muslin were not included in her plan. Janie laid the
muslin and ribbon aside and commenced work upon the other gowns.

The "best" gown was a dark blue cloth with velvet trimmings, and the hat
which she was to wear with it was of the same shade with dark blue
feathers drooping over the brim.

Randy felt this to be almost too fine to wear and she touched the soft
feathers with caressing fingers before placing the hat upon her pretty
head.

"Oh, it looks just a little like Miss Dayton's hats," exclaimed Randy, as
she looked in the mirror at this triumph of Janie's millinery skill.

For the long ride in the cars and for general street and school wear,
there was a cute little suit of gray wool, and a hat of gray felt with
some smart gray wings.

Randy was delighted with the suit and her eyes sparkled when she
experienced the joy of "trying it on."

The party gown, the first which she had ever seen, was to her a dream of
loveliness. It was very simply made, as befitted this fair little country
maid. The skirt made quite plain, the waist cut out ever so little in the
neck, just enough to show the round, white throat, the modest elbow
sleeves and white satin ribbon trimmings filled Randy with speechless
delight as she stared at the sweet reflection in the mirror.