ard to do the right thing when he shows his preference so plainly. Why
couldn't I have been nicer about this? It really is my place to sit
here, but I might have said so without getting mad. Oh, dear, dear!"

The lunch ended, and the girls went upstairs to get ready for the
outing. When Bee was nearly dressed Adele came to her softly. She could
not bear that anyone should not be pleased with her, and she knew that
Bee was hurt and offended. Stepping behind her she put her arms around
her waist as Bee stood before the mirror, and bent her head over her
cousin's shoulder, partly that she might kiss her cheek, partly also
that she might see her face in the glass and contrast it with that of
Bee.

"Don't be cross with me," she said coaxingly. "I am sorry if I have done
anything that you did not like."

Beatrice sighed. Adele was irresistible in this mood.

"Perhaps you did not mean it, Adele," she said. "But, honestly! would
you like it if someone were to come to your house, and want to take your
place with your father and mother?"

"No, I would not," answered Adele candidly. "What's the use of supposing
anything of the sort? Nobody could, you know. Papa and mamma would not
let them."

"That is true," agreed Bee thoughtfully. "Nobody could take your place,
Adele. I wish that father were so fond of me that no one could take my
place with him."

"Maybe he will when he knows you better," remarked Adele consolingly.
"Only you must not blame me if he likes me best." She loosened her hold
on Bee and wandered about the room, looking first at one thing, and then
another. Presently she gave a little scream of delight. "What a pretty
hat!" she cried. "All white lace and pansies. Oh, Bee! Where did you get
it?"

"I got it when I bleached my hair," said Bee in a low tone. "It is a
pretty hat. Every one likes it."

"It's lovely," declared Adele, putting it on, and gazing rapturously at
her image in the glass. "Doesn't it become me?"

"Everything becomes you, Adele, but this doesn't look any better on you
than your own." Bee reached out her hand for the hat. "We must hurry.
Father doesn't like to be kept waiting."

"Do let me wear it, Bee." Adele danced out of her cousin's reach. "Just
see how nice it looks on me."

"I want to wear it myself, Adele. I want to look well when we go to
Mrs. Medulla's."

"Don't be so selfish, Bee. You used not to be. You used to let me wear
anything of yours that I wanted. What in the world