"Father," began Prudence, her eyes on the lace coverlet, "do you think it
would be all right for me to wear that silk dressing-gown of mother's? I
need something over my nightgown, and my old flannel kimono is so ugly.
You know, mother said I was to have it, and--I'm twenty now. Do you
think it would be all right? But if you do not want me to wear it----"

"I do want you to," was the prompt reply. "Yes, it is quite time you
were wearing it. I'll get it out of the trunk myself, and send Fairy
down to help you." Then as he turned toward the door, he asked
carelessly, "Is he very good-looking, Prudence?"

And Prudence, with a crimson face, answered quickly, "Oh, I really didn't
notice, father."

He went on up-stairs then, and presently Fairy came down with the dainty
silk gown trimmed with fine soft lace. "I brought my lavender ribbon for
your hair, Prudence. It will match the gown so nicely. Oh, you do look
sweet, dearest. I pity Jerrold Harmer, I can tell you that. Now I must
hurry and finish my own dressing."

But with her foot on the bottom stair, she paused. Her sister was
calling after her. "Send father down here, quick, Fairy."

Father ran down quickly, and Prudence, catching hold of his hands,
whispered wretchedly, "Oh, father, he--he is good-looking. I--I did
notice it. I didn't really mean to lie to you."

"There, now, Prudence," he said, kissing her tenderly, "you mustn't get
excited again. I'm afraid you are too nervous to have callers. You must