freshly attired in a spick-and-span clean gingham, and they wore
large shade hats.

"I thought Grandma would suspect something when I put my hat on,"
said Marjorie, "because I always race out here without any, but,
by good luck, she didn't see me."

"Mother asked me where I was going," said Molly, "and I told her
to 'Breezy Inn.' It almost seemed deceitful, but I think, as we're
working for charity, it's all right. You know you mustn't let your
left hand know what your right hand is up to."

"That isn't what that means," said Stella, who was a conscientious
little girl; and, indeed, they all were, for though inclined to
mischief, Midge and Molly never told stories, even by implication.

"But I think it's all right," went on Stella, earnestly, "because
it's a surprise. You know Christmas or Valentine's day, it's all
right to surprise people, even if you have to 'most nearly deceive
them."

And so with no qualms of their honest little hearts, the three
started off gayly to peddle their dainty wares for the cause of
charity.

"Let's go straight down to the village," suggested Molly, "and
let's stop at every house on the way,--there aren't very many,--
and then when we get where the houses are thicker we can go
separately if we want to."