struggled ahead of his elders and disgraced himself by tumbling
in head foremost.

Mrs. Ruggles looked severe. "There, I knew yer'd do it in some
sech fool-way,--try it agin 'n if Larry can't come in on two legs
he can stay ter home!"

The matter began to assume a graver aspect; the little Ruggleses
stopped giggling and backed into the bed-room, issuing presently
with lock step, Indian file, a scared and hunted expression in
every countenance.

"No, no, no!" cried Mrs. Ruggles, in despair; "Yer look for all
the world like a gang o' pris'ners; there ain't no style ter
that; spread out more, can't yer, an' act kind o' careless
like--nobody's goin' ter kill ye!" The third time brought
deserved success, and the pupils took their seats in the row.
"Now, yer know," said Mrs. Ruggles, "there ain't enough decent
hats to go round, an' if there was I don' know 's I'd let yer
wear 'em, for the boys would never think to take 'em off when
they got inside--but, anyhow, there ain't enough good ones. Now,
look me in the eye. You needn't wear no hats, none of yer, en'
when yer get int' the parlor 'n they ask yer ter lay off yer
hats, Sarah Maud must speak up an' say it was sech a pleasant
evenin' an' sech a short walk that you left yer hats to home to
save trouble. Now, can you remember?"

All the little Ruggleses shouted, "Yes, marm," in chorus.

"What have you got ter do with it," demanded their mother; "did I