up for the hair cut all the same."

"Now do listen, boys," and the mother spoke firmly. "Tavia must have her
hair trimmed. I tried to get a hair-dresser to come out here, but we
could not have it done until after the railroad man appraised it. So now
the hair-dresser could not get here until after Sunday. That is why I am
having recourse to a barber."

"Couldn't do better, mother," spoke up Ned, who had been trying to get a
word in with Dorothy "on the other side."

"Then run along, girls, get your things. Don't dress up; it is country
all the way, and the dinner folks are not out yet. It will be pleasanter
to fix up after the operation," said Mrs. White.

"But I say, momsey," called Nat after her as she went upstairs, "you
wouldn't suggest a 'Riley,' would you?"

"Nathaniel White, if you dare get that girl's hair cut in any but the
most lady-like fashion I'll--disinherit you!"

"Shadows of the poorhouse! Don't! I'll make the fellow trim it with a
butter knife. Come along, children. I'll show you the newest in
chaperonage at Mike's!"

Both girls appeared on the veranda to which the depot cart had been
drawn up. Dorothy looked like a pond lily, Tavia had told her, in her
light green dress with her yellow hair falling over it. Tavia too was
attractive, she had on a brown dress with gold in it that reflected the
glint of her hair, and, as Ned handed Nat the reins he whispered: "A