never guess in a million years, so I'm goin' to tell you. For the last
three mornin's she's tied up her eyes with a handkerchief an' then
DRESSED herself, jest to make sure it COULD be done, you know."

"Susan, did you, really?" For the first time a faint trace of interest
came into the boy's face.

"Sure I did! An' Keith, it was great fun, really, jest to see how
smart I could be, doin' it. An' I timed myself, too. It took me
twenty-five minutes the first time. Dear, dear, but I was clumsy! But
I can do it lots quicker now, though I don't believe I'll ever do it
as quick as you will."

"Do you think I could do it, really?"

"I know you could."

"I could try," faltered Keith dubiously.

"You ain't goin' to TRY, you're goin' to DO it," declared Susan. "Now,
listen. I'm goin' out, but in jest twenty minutes I'm comin' back, an'
I shall expect to find you all dressed. I--I shall be ashamed of you
if you ain't." And without another glance at the boy, and before he
could possibly protest, Susan hurried from the room.

Her head was still high, and her voice still determinedly clear--but
in the hall outside the bedroom, Susan burst into such a storm of sobs
that she had to hurry to the kitchen and shut herself in the pantry
lest they be heard.