"I would keep them on, Prue,--they catch the color of the gown a little,
and are just beautiful. You do look so sweet, but your face is very
flushed. I am afraid you are feverish. Maybe we had better not let him
see Prue to-day, father. Perhaps he can come back to-morrow."

"Fairy!" exclaimed Prudence. "Besides, he must come in to get his coat.
We can't expect him to go coatless over Sunday. Listen,--listen, girls!
Look, Fairy, and see if that is he! Yes, it is, I know,--I can tell by
his walk." Warm rich color dyed her face and throat, and she clasped her
hands over her heart, wondering if Connie beside her could hear its
tumult.

"I'll go to the door," said Father Starr, and Prudence looked at him
beseechingly.

"I--I am sure he is all right, father. I--you will be nice to him, won't
you?"

Without answering, Mr. Starr left the room. He could not trust his voice.

"Listen, girls, I want to hear," whispered Prudence. And she smiled as
she heard her father's cordial voice.

"You are Mr. Harmer, aren't you? I am Prudence's father. Come right in.
The whole family is assembled to do you honor. The girls have already
made you a prince in disguise. Come back this way. Prudence is resting
very nicely."

When the two men stepped into the sitting-room, Prudence, for once, quite