"What are you saying?" asked Dorothy, with a momentary alarm coming
into her eyes.

"Oh, I was just telling mother and Sab that you had skipped by the
light of the noon, with the captain of the 'Consternation,' who was a
jolly old bachelor last night, but may be a married man to-day if my
suspicions are correct. Oh, Dorothy, must I go to the ball in a dress
of print?"

The sewing girl bent an affectionate look on the impulsive Katherine.

"Kate, dear," she said, "you shall wear the grandest ball dress that
ever was seen in Bar Harbor."

"How dare you call my sister Kate, and talk such nonsense?" demanded
Sabina.

"I shall always call you Miss Kempt, and now, if I have your
permission, I will sit down. I am tired."

"Yes, and hungry, too," cried Katherine. "What shall I get you,
Dorothy? This is all cold."

"Thank you, I am not in the least hungry."

"Wouldn't you like a cup of tea?"

Dorothy laughed a little wearily.

"Yes, I would," she said, "and some bread and butter."