that the twins shook in their beds with rage and disappointment.

Mr. Starr came in while they were eating, and joined them genially.
But afterward, when Prudence realized that etiquette called for their
retirement, her father still sat complacently by the register, talking
and laughing. Prudence fastened her eyes upon him.

"Well, I must honestly go to bed," she said, gazing hypnotically at her
father. "I know you will excuse me. I must store up my strength to
deal with the twins in the morning."

She got up from her chair, and moved restlessly about the room, still
boring her father with her eyes. He did not move. She paused beside
him, and slipped her hand under his elbow.

"Now, father," she said gaily, "we must put our heads together, and
think out a proper punishment for the awful creatures."

Her hand was uplifting, and Mr. Starr rose with it. Together they left
the room with cordial good nights, and inviting Mr. Babler to "try the
parsonage again." Prudence listened outside the twins' door, and heard
them breathing loudly. Then she went to her own room, and snuggling
down beneath the covers, laughed softly to herself.

"Etiquette!" she gurgled. "Etiquette! There's no room for such a
thing in a parsonage,--I see that!"

It speaks well for the courage of Babbie, and the attractions of Fairy,
that he came to the parsonage again and again. In time he became the
best of friends with the twins themselves, but he always called them