I are going to use some of Fairy's powder, father," she said.
"We feel that we simply must on an occasion like this. And for goodness'
sake, don't mention it before Him! It doesn't happen very often, you
know, but to-day we simply must. Now, don't you say anything about
falling in the flour barrel, or turning pale all of a sudden, whatever
else you do. We'd be so mortified, father."

Mr. Starr was concerned with weightier matters, and went on down to
Prudence with never so much as a reproving shake of the head for the
worldly-minded young twins.

"Father," began Prudence, her eyes on the lace coverlet, "do you think it
would be all right for me to wear that silk dressing-gown of mother's? I
need something over my nightgown, and my old flannel kimono is so ugly.
You know, mother said I was to have it, and--I'm twenty now. Do you
think it would be all right? But if you do not want me to wear it----"

"I do want you to," was the prompt reply. "Yes, it is quite time you
were wearing it. I'll get it out of the trunk myself, and send Fairy
down to help you." Then as he turned toward the door, he asked
carelessly, "Is he very good-looking, Prudence?"

And Prudence, with a crimson face, answered quickly, "Oh, I really didn't
notice, father."

He went on up-stairs then, and presently Fairy came down with the dainty
silk gown trimmed with fine soft lace. "I brought my lavender ribbon for
your hair, Prudence. It will match the gown so nicely. Oh, you do look
sweet, dearest. I pity Jerrold Harmer, I can tell you that. Now I must
hurry and finish my own dressing."

But with her foot on the bottom stair, she paused. Her sister was
calling after her. "Send father down here, quick, Fairy."

Father ran down quickly, and Prudence, catching hold of his hands,
whispered wretchedly, "Oh, father, he--he is good-looking. I--I did
notice it. I didn't really mean to lie to you."

"There, now, Prudence," he said, kissing her tenderly, "you mustn't get
excited again. I'm afraid you are too nervous to have callers. You must
lie very quietly until he comes. That was no lie, child. You are so
upset you do not know what you are saying to-day. Be quiet now,
Prudence,--it's nearly time for him to come."

"You are a dear good father," she cried, kissing his hands passionately,
"but it was a lie. I did know what I was saying. I did it on purpose."

And Mr. Starr's heart was heavy, for he knew that his fears were realiz