veritable fairyland
of apple blossoms.

They stopped at an old farmhouse, and all jumped out to find the picnic
spread out for them under the apple trees. Chicken, salads, tarts and
every kind of fruit covered the white cloth, and the air had whipped
their appetites into being. They needed no second invitation but threw
themselves on to the ground and did justice to the tempting repast.

After luncheon they wandered about under the trees until it was time to
go home.

As each guest passed Mrs. Vincent before they got into the motors, she
gave them each a box. They opened them in surprise, that turned
quickly to exclamations of delight as they gazed at the contents.

Tiny gold butterflies and enameled wings for the girls and stick pins
with bumble bees in black and gold for the boys. On the back of each
pin was the date and Janet's and Phyllis's initials.

The girls were so excited watching their guests' delight that they
forgot to open their own boxes until Daphne reminded them of them.

"I know yours will be different," she said.

They opened them to find butterflies, like the rest, but twice as
large. On the back was inscribed, "In memory of the stupid party."

"Oh, Mr. Keith, how are we ever going to thank you!" Janet exclaimed.

"It has been the most beautiful stupid party that ever was," Phyllis
added. "Oh, please, please, believe that we are truly grateful."

"Nonsense," laughed Mr. Keith. "You forget I am still heavily in your
debt, and to-day has only added to that indebtedness, for I can
honestly say I never enjoyed a picnic as much as this in all my life."

CHAPTER XXI

CONCLUSION

Auntie Mogs looked up from her mail at the breakfast table and smiled
at Phyllis and Janet as they took their places, one on either side of
her.

"Here is something that may interest you," and she held out two letters.

Phyllis took one and Janet the other.

"It's from Tommy; do listen,"--Phyllis almost knocked over the cream
pitcher in her excitement.

"Dear family"--(she read)

"I am expecting you on the fourteenth of this month and may the date
hurry up and get here. I will meet you at the station, prepared for
your luggage and live stock. Don't get lost on the way, please, as
this West is rather large and I might have difficulty in finding you.

"The conductor will see that you change at the junction and don't
forget that you get out at Quantos.

"My ranch is so clean that it doesn't kno