"I'm awfully sorry, Dud," says Marjorie, snugglin' up to Brother,
"but--but it was almost worth it. I didn't know you could be so--so
splendid!"

"Stow it, Peggy," says Dudley. "You're a regular brick!"

"No, I'm not," says she. "And think what Mr. Ellins will say!

"There, there!" says Mr. Robert soothin'. "You were not to blame. I
will have someone see the fellow in the morning and settle the damage,
however. There's no need to trouble Father about it, none in the
least."

"Besides, Peggy," adds Dudley, "I'm the one the charge is made against.
So butt out."

Looked like it was all settled that way too, and that Old Hickory's
faith in his model wards wa'n't to be disturbed. But when we pulls up
at the house there he is, just goin' up the front steps.

"Ah!" says he, beamin'. "There you are, eh? And how has my little
Peggy been enjoying herself today?"

"Mr. Ellins," says she, lookin' him square in the eye, "you mustn't
call me your Peggy any more. I've just hit a man. He's in the
hospital."

"You--you hit someone!" gasps Old Hickory, starin' puzzled at her.
"What with?"