ran lightly up the stairs, humming a snatch of song.

But Prudence did a poor job of entertaining Babbie during her sister's
absence. She felt really dizzy! Such a way to introduce Etiquette
into the parsonage life. She was glad to make her escape from the room
when Fairy returned, a graceful figure in the fine blue silk! She went
back to the dining-room, and painstakingly arranged the big tray for
the designated moment of its entrance,--according to etiquette. Fairy
and Babbie in the next room talked incessantly, laughing often and
long, and Prudence, hearing, smiled in sympathy. She herself thought
it would be altogether stupid to be shut up in a room alone with "just
a man" for a whole evening,--but etiquette required it. Fairy knew
about such things, of course.

A little after nine, she called out dismally, "Fairy!" And Fairy,
fearing fresh disaster, came running out.

"What now? What----"

"I forget what you told me to say," whispered Prudence wretchedly,
"what was it? The soup is ready, and piping hot,--but what is it you
want me to say?"

Fairy screamed with laughter. "You goose!" she cried. "Say anything
you like. I was just giving you a tip, that was all. It doesn't make
any difference what you say."

"Oh, I am determined to do my part just right," vowed Prudence
fervently, "according to etiquette and all. What was it you said?"