"It wouldn't live long if the ministers had many twins," said Fairy
quickly.

"Ouch!" grinned Connie, plagiarizing, for that expressive word belonged
exclusively to the twins, and it was double impertinence to apply it to
one of its very possessors.

"And you understand, don't you, father, that if everything does not go
just exactly right, I shall feel I am disgraced for life? I know the
Ladies disapprove of me, and look on me with suspicion. I know they
think it wicked and ridiculous to leave the raising of four bright
spirits in the unworthy hands of a girl like me. I know they will all
sniff and smile and--Of course, twins, they have a perfect right to
feel, and act, so. I am not complaining. But I want to show them for
once in their lives that the parsonage runs smoothly and sweetly. If
you would just stay at home with us, father, it would be a big help.
You are such a tower of strength."

"But unfortunately I can not. People do not get married every day in
the week, and when they are all ready for it they do not allow even
Ladies' Aids to stand in their way. It is a long drive, ten miles at
least, and I must start at once. And it will likely be very late when
I get back. But if you are all good, and help Prudence, and uphold the
reputation of the parsonage, I will divide the wedding fee with
you,--share and share alike." This was met with such enthusiasm that
he added hastily, "But wait! It may be only a dollar!"

Then kissing the various members of the parsonage family, he went out
the back door, barnward.