so careful of the squire's feelings and features. But you should have
seen the squire with the handcuffs on! Oh! it was better than the play I
saw in Rochester," and Tavia relieved her pent-up jollity by tossing
into the air the borrowed lunch box and making "passes" at it, with
queer pranks in imitation of the jugglers she had seen at Rochester.

"Tavia," asked Dorothy, very seriously, "do you think you could keep a
secret?"

"Keep a secret? Dorothy darling, Dare-me!"

"Now, no joking, Tavia," insisted Dorothy, "this is a matter of
importance."

"Oh, I just love importance. That was what mostly happened to me and
Alice to-day in the squire's office--importance!"

"Well, if you really can't be serious--

"Oh, but, Doro dear, just try me. I shall weep if you say so, only--
pardon, mamselle, but do not, if you please, make that weep too long, a
few sniffs only, for I have not with me in this fleshling costume ze
'kerchief," and she made a most ridiculous little French "squat,"
further evidence of the Rochester play.

"I am afraid Tavia, that trip to your Aunt Mary's has affected your
head; they say nothing can do so more effectively than certain kinds of
plays."

"Well, the one I saw was the certain kind. Why, last night mother nearly