Daddy Morrison glanced at her sharply.

"Don't let me hear of either of you annoying Miss Putnam in any
way, "he said sternly. "I know how children can sometimes, without
meaning it, bother an elderly and crochety person. Miss Putnam has
every right to keep her house and yard for herself, and if she is
'cross,' as you call it, that is her affair, too. My advice to you
youngsters is to stay away from the Collins house."

"Now will you be good?" said Ralph, catching Sister by her short
skirts as she attempted to slip past him as he sat in one of the
comfortable porch rockers.

The family had scattered after supper, and only Ralph and Jimmie
were on the front porch.

"The day after a party is always unlucky," observed Jimmie,
tweaking his little sister's hair-ribbon playfully. "You and
Brother have had more than your share of scolding today, haven't
you, Sister?"

To his surprise, and Ralph's, Sister's small foot in its patent
leather slipper and white sock struck at him viciously.

"Why, Elizabeth Morrison!" exclaimed Ralph, lifting the little
girl to his lap and holding her firmly there in spite of her
struggles. "I'm astonished at you. What are you kicking Jimmie
for?"