For the first time in her life, Prudence distinctly triumphed over her
father. She flashed him the glance of a conqueror, and he nodded,
understandingly. He liked Jerrold Harmer,--as much as he could like any
man who stepped seriously into the life of Prudence. He was glad that
things were well. But--they would excuse him, he must look after his
Sunday's sermons.

A little later the twins and Connie grew restless, and finally Connie
blurted out, "Say, Prue, don't you think we've upheld the parsonage long
enough? I want to get some fresh air." The twins would never have been
guilty of such social indiscretion as this, but they gladly availed
themselves of Connie's "break," and followed her out-of-doors. Then
Fairy got up, laughing. "I have done my share, too. I think we'll leave
the parsonage in your hands now, Prue. I want to write to Aunt Grace.
I'll be just at the head of the stairs, and if Prudence wants me, you
will call, won't you, Mr. Harmer? And won't you stay for dinner with us?
I'm sure to disgrace the parsonage again, for I am no cook, but you can
get along for once, surely. We spend more time laughing when the food is
bad, and laughter is very healthful. You will stay, won't you?"

Jerrold Harmer looked very eager, and yet he looked somewhat doubtfully
at Prudence. Her eyes were eloquent with entreaties. Finally he
laughed, and said, "I should certainly like to stay, but you see I want
to come back to-morrow. Now, will I dare to come back to-morrow if I
stay for dinner to-night? Wouldn't Connie say that was disgracing the
parsonage?"

Fairy laughed delightedly. "That is very good," she said. "Then you
will stay. I'll try to fix it up with Connie to save the reputation of
the house. Now, do not talk too much, Prue, and--what shall we have for
dinner? We only say dinner when we have company, Mr. Harmer. What we
have is supper."

Prudence contracted her brows in the earnest endeavor to compose a menu
suitable for this occasion. "Mashed potatoes, and--use cream, Fairy.
You'd better let Lark do the mashing, for you always leave lumps. And
breaded veal cutlet," with a significant glance, "and creamed peas, and
radishes, and fruit. Will that be enough for you, Mr. Harmer?"

"Oceans," he said contentedly.

"Well, I'll collect the twins and Connie and we will try to think up a
few additions. Where's the money?"

"In the dungeon, and the key is on the nail above the door. And the
s