Dorns will be all the better for not having been tempted in the
days when it might have ruined them.''

She had walked round where her father could see her, as she
delivered herself of this speech so redolent of the fumes of
collegiate smugness. He proceeded to examine her--with an
expression of growing dissatisfaction. Said he fretfully:

``You don't calculate to go out, looking like that?''

``Out to the swellest blow-out of the year, popsy,'' said she.

The big heavy looking head wobbled about uneasily. ``You look
too much like your old pappy's daughter,'' said he.

``I can afford to,'' replied she.

The head shook positively. ``You ma wouldn't 'a liked it. She
was mighty partic'lar how she dressed.''

Jane laughed gayly. ``Why, when did you become a critic of
women's dress?'' cried she.

``I always used to buy yer ma dresses and hats when I went to the
city,'' said he. ``And she looked as good as the best--not for
these days, but for them times.'' He looked critically at the
portrait. ``I bought them clothes and awful dear they seemed to
me.'' His glance returned to his daughter. ``Go get yourself up
proper,'' said he, between request and command. ``SHE wouldn't
'a liked it.''