which even their parents cannot fathom.

Strange to say, neither Mr. Parlin nor Dotty had thought that the family
might be visiting at Mr. Eastman's; but such was the case. It was
Johnny's birthday, and his father had sent the carriage into the city
that morning for Mrs. Parlin, grandma Read, and the children. As for
Norah, Dotty was right with regard to her; she _had_ walked out to the
Cape to see the auburn-haired Bridget.

"I'm glad Johnny was born to-day instead of to-morrow," said Prudy, "for
to-morrow we wouldn't go out of the house for anything, auntie."

"I can seem to see cousin Dimple," said Percy; "she'll carry her head
higher than ever."

Prudy cast upon the youth as strong a look of disapproval as her gentle
face could express.

"Percy, you mustn't talk so about Dotty. She is my sister. She isn't so
very proud; but if I was as handsome as she is, I should be proud too."

"O, no; she is very meek--Dimple is; just like a little lamb. Don't you
remember that verse she used to repeat?--

'But, chillens, you should never let
Your naughty _ankles_ rise;
Your little hands were never made
To tear each uzzer's eyes--out.'"

"If she's cross, it's because you and Johnny tease her so," said Prudy.