, what?"

"Never you mind, curiosity-box! You'll see soon enough."

"Will you come home early, Father?"

"As early as I can. By five, surely."

After breakfast, the two heroines of the occasion went out to their
respective side verandahs, and the usual morning programme was carried
out.

Each frantically waved her hand to the other, calling, "Come over!"

Then each vigorously shook her head, shouting: "No, you come over here!"

"No, you!"

"No, you!"

Then Dolly, coaxingly, "Aw, come on,--come on over."

Then Dotty, positively, "No, sir! it's your turn. Come on over here."

With slight variations this dialogue was repeated every morning. Not
that either cared much which went to the other's house, but it was one
of their habits. Perhaps Dolly oftenest gave in, and on this birthday
morning, the colloquy was short before she ran across the grass and the
two friends sat in the Roses' hammock, swinging vigorously as they
talked.

"How'd you like my present to you?" asked Dotty, with twinkling eyes.

"Lovely!" and Dolly smiled back. "How'd you like mine to you?"

"Beautiful! Truly, Dollyrinda, I'm awful glad to have that picture of
you."

"So am I of you. Did you get any plate presents?"

"No; I didn't expect any. All the family gave me things for my room, you
know. Bob sent me a dear little clock."

"How nice; Bert sent me a pair of candlesticks,--glass ones,--they're
awfully pretty."

"Isn't it funny we don't know each other's brothers."

"We will soon, though. Bert is coming home in about two weeks."

"Yes, so is Bob. As soon as school closes. Oh, here come the men to put
up the tent! Let's go and watch them."

Dolly had been allowed to stay at home from school for the day, and the
two girls, followed by Genie, ran out on the lawn to see what was going
on.

In order to make the party a truly joint affair, it had been decided to
set up a tent on the lawn exactly midway between the two houses, for the
party supper. It was a large tent, and gay with red trimmings and flags.
Inside, tables were set up, and the maids from both houses brought out
plates and glasses in abundance.

"Oh, isn't it just _grand_!" exclaimed Dotty, seizing Dolly round the
waist and making her dance about the lawn.

"Lovely; but don't rumple me so, Dotty! This is a clean frock."

"Oh, what an old fuss you are! Always thinking about your clothes!"

"I am not, any such thing! But what's the use of spoiling a clean dress
t