alone in the firelight, thinking
that of all the blessings the year had brought her, not the least was
the friendship of these girls and boys.

Of all the young people invited to Uncle William's party, no one was
in such a flutter of delight as Dora. Affairs of this kind were new to
her, and as the Hazeltines had talked so much about it, it was no
wonder she felt eager and excited as she dressed next evening.

"I suppose Elsie wouldn't go if she had to wear such plain things as
mine," she thought as she took out her white dress. "Louise said they
were going to wear white. Oh, dear! I should like to have nice
clothes, but I can't bother mamma about it." Dora sighed, for she
liked pretty things as much as anybody.

All trace of anything like discontent had disappeared when she stood
before her mother to have her sash tied.

"You should have had a new dress, poor child," Mrs. Warner said sadly.

"No, Mamma dear," was the cheerful answer, "you must not mind. It does
not matter what I wear; I shall have a good time."

"How fortunate it is that Dora cares so little about dress!" her
mother thought as her daughter kissed her and ran down to the parlor,
where Carl was waiting with a bunch of roses which he presented with
much grace. The girls were in the carriage outside, and the drive
through the streets, where the electric lights were just appearing,
was no small part of the pleasure. Helen said it was like grown people
going to a party. "But it is more fun to be children, I think," said
Dora, burying her face in her flowers.

It was not quite like a grown-up party, for Uncle William's guests
were invited to come at the sensible hour of six o'clock, but the
beautiful house was all thrown open for their entertainment.

Dora forgot her dress as they went up the steps and were ushered into
the brilliantly lighted hall.

They were the first arrivals, for the Hazeltine children were to
assist in receiving the others, so when they came downstairs there
were only Aunt Marcia, handsome and stately as usual, and Cousin
Helen, looking exceedingly pretty in her pale-blue gown. The next
comer was a tall gentleman whom Bess and Louise seemed to know very
well. They called him Mr. Caruth, and were evidently delighted to see
him.

"I am glad you came home in time for the party," Louise said to him;
and Carl with an eye to business added, "You must come to our
entertainment on New Year's eve, Mr. Caruth."

"What do you charge