oung men joined them.

But the entrance of the gentlemen seemed to put a bridle on the tongues of
the little party, for Dexie was not slow in perceiving that Maxwell was
trying to quiz her, and it was very hard to withstand the good-humored
banter of this young gentleman. She stood the teasing as long as she
thought necessary, then her ready tongue made Maxwell confess that for once
he had met his match, and the laughable occurrence of their first meeting
was allowed to drop. Dexie was well aware that her snubbing was not
relished, for Maxwell sat regarding her silently as she conversed in low
tones to Elsie, pulling at his moustache with a restless movement that was
quite annoying, if he only knew it.

Why is it that gentlemen who possess this ornamental appendage to their
upper lip persist in using it so unkindly? You see it at all times and in
all places, at home by their own fireside, in church, when the sermon is
supposed to be occupying their attention, on the streets, in fact
everywhere you will see the moustache undergoing torture at the hands of
its possessor. Some merely smooth it out, or daintily curl the ends of it,
if it happens to be long enough; some lick at it, like an animal at a lump
of salt: some chew it savagely, till you wonder there is a hair of it left;
in fact it is badly misused by the majority of men, for few leave it to
serve its legitimate purpose.

After tea, at Mr. Maxwell's suggestion, the party went out for a walk. They
strolled up and down the principal streets until twilight was almost over,
and their first impression of the place was happily dispelled. They were
willing to accord the same praise to the town as did others who had visited
it. Cleanliness and thrift seemed the characteristics of the majority of
the inhabitants, and the beautiful grounds and gardens that surrounded
most of the houses spoke well for the taste of the owners.

When the time came for them to continue their journey, more than one member
of the family regretted their departure, for their presence had quite
brightened the household, and Dexie had won the approval of Mrs. Morris
herself by her quick movements and practical remarks, and for the decided
manner that refused all attentions from Maxwell.

"If you ever pass this way again you must come and see us," said Mrs.
Morris at parting, "and if any of your friends ever visit the town we will
be happy to accommodate them."

"Thank you, Mrs. Morris," said Dexi