they'll be out from dinner, and see us."

Dotty needed no second hint. In half an hour she was so far recovered
from the _megrims_ as to be hungry; when Prudy secretly begged some
pudding for her of the willing Angeline.

Then the same little peacemaker went to her cousins, and made them each
and all promise to be more careful of her sister's feelings; after which
there was nut-cracking in the wood-shed, and a loud call for Miss Dimple,
who consented to go down after much urging, and was the merriest one of
the whole party.




CHAPTER V.

PLAYING TRUANT.


For several days after her return Dotty Dimple was in a state of jubilee.
She had a great deal to tell, and the whole household was ready to
listen. Norah would stand with a dish or a rolling-pin in her hand, and
almost forget what she had intended to do in her desire to hear every
word Miss Dotty was saying.

Once, when she related her adventure with the pigeon-pie, grandma Read,
who was clear-starching her caps, let the starch boil over on the stove;
and at another time Mrs. Parlin was so much absorbed in a description of
Phebe, that she almost spiced a custard with cayenne pepper.