. We may even look on at some of the dances at Fortress Monroe.
So Nellie and I ought each to have a new evening gown, besides our
white silk gowns. Don't you think so?"

Aunt Sue sighed in answer to Madge's question.

"I don't see where new party gowns are to come from, dear. Even if I
felt we could afford them, I simply haven't time to go to town to get
the material for them. It has taken a great deal to get you and Nellie
ready for school, since you will go directly to Miss Tolliver's when
your houseboat party is over. Fortunately, your new school clothes will
be suitable for most occasions, as the weather will probably be cool.
Somehow I feel uneasy about this second houseboat party. I have a
premonition that something will happen to you girls. Your uncle thinks
I am absurd. He says you are very fortunate to have made a friend like
Mrs. Curtis, and to have another opportunity to enjoy your houseboat. I
suppose I am foolish." Mrs. Butler smiled nervously. "You know I am
rather given to having premonitions, so don't concern yourself about
anything I have said to you."

Mrs. Butler was a delicate, high-bred looking woman, with soft blue
eyes and brown hair lightly streaked with gray, who was quite likely to
be influenced by her wilful niece's opinions. It was in her Uncle
William that Madge met her match.

"Nellie!" called Madge when her aunt had finished speaking, "please
come in here. I want to persuade Auntie to do something that I am going
to ask of her, and I wish you to help me."

Nellie appeared at the dining room door, her fingers stained with
grape-juice. She was determined to help her mother with the jelly
before she and her cousin left for their second houseboat holiday.

"You don't need any one's help when it comes to having your own way,"
retorted Mrs. Butler. "What do you wish this time?"

Madge lowered her voice. "Auntie, you know that upstairs in Mother's
old trunk there are two rolls of silk--a roll of rose-color and one of
turquoise blue. You have always said that Father brought them home to
Mother from China just after I was born, and that Mother never had them
made into dresses, because she died soon afterward, when Father failed
to return from his trip."

Mrs. Butler bowed her head quietly. She looked away from her niece.

"Yes, that is what I have told you. I am saving the silks until you are
older. You have very little else of your mother's except her jewelry."

Madge clasped her hands