"Now you see for yourself, Prudence," she declared. "Isn't he a duck?"

When the little parsonage group, entire, gathered once more around the
table in the "real dining-room," they were joyful indeed. It was a
gala occasion! The very best china and silverware were brought out in
Carol's honor. The supper was one that would have gratified the heart
of a bishop, at the very least!

"Apple pie, with pure cream, Carol," said Lark ecstatically, for apple
pie with pure cream was the favorite dessert of the sweet-toothed
twins. And Lark added earnestly, "And I don't seem to be very hungry
to-night, Carol,--I don't want any pie. You shall have my piece, too!"

"I said I felt it in my bones, you remember," said Prudence, smiling at
Carol, "but my mental compass indicated Connie when it should have
pointed to Carol! And I do hope, Connie dear, that this will be a
lesson to you, and impress upon you that you must always change your
shoes and stockings when your feet are wet!"

And for the first time in many days, clear, happy-hearted laughter rang
out in the parsonage.




CHAPTER IX

PRACTISING ECONOMY

It was a dull dreary day early in December. Prudence and Fairy were