very stupid farmer who begrudges them the little corn and wheat they
take from the fields. The account is more than balanced by the good
they do." Then the conversation ceased, for the colonel and his friend
moved off to inspect the quince bushes.

Pleased by the praises they had bestowed on us for our efforts in
cleaning the fruit trees and cornfields of injurious insects, I went to
work with new vigor to get out some bugs for my luncheon, and was thus
pleasantly employed when a sharp twitter from my mother attracted my
attention.

"Look, children!" she exclaimed. "Here come our young ladies with some
company from the city. Be careful to notice what they have on their
heads and then tell me what you think of our sweet, pretty ladies."

One of my brothers was swaying lightly on a little swing below me. I
flew down hastily and placed myself on the next bough, where I could
also get a good view of the ladies as they strolled toward us. They
were in a very merry mood and each one seemed striving to say something
more arousing than her companions. Miss Dorothy led the way, her arm
linked in that of one of the stranger guests. Then followed the others
with Miss Katie and Marian hand in hand in the rear. They were all
very handsomely dressed, and having just returned from a drive had not
yet removed their hats.

As they came under the tree where we were perched, which was a favorite
spot with Miss Katie, they halted for some time and consequently I had
an excellent opportunity to look, as my mother had bidden me.

And what did I see?