ch a big one."

"Well, I've had lots of 'em. We stand side by side, and I'll introduce
everybody to you. Of course, Mumsie and Trude will be around, and your
mother and your aunt,--won't they? Don't try to remember all their
names, 'cause you can't, and you can pick them up later."

"What a lot you know!" and Dotty looked at Dolly with a thoughtful
admiration.

"I know why," said Dolly, with a sudden flash of enlightenment; "it's
'cause I have an older sister. Trudy is 'out,' you know, and I'm sort of
accustomed to comp'ny; but you have a _little_ sister, so you haven't
had so much experience."

"Yes, that's it," and Dotty comprehended. "All right, you can show me,
and I'll do whatever you say."

CHAPTER V

THE DOUBLE PARTY

The party was from four to seven. Before the hour the girls were in
readiness and waiting on the lawn, midway between the two houses, to
receive their guests.

Dolly Fayre wore a white organdie, all lacy with little ruffles and a
light blue sash with blue silk stockings and white slippers.

Dotty Rose had on a lovely white voile with pink ribbons and pink
stockings.

Both girls wore their hair in a long loose braid, with a big ribbon at
the top of the braid.

"Didn't leave off hair-ribbons, did you?" said Dolly, smiling.

"No, Mother wouldn't hear of it. She says we ought to wear them until
we're sixteen, anyway."

"I don't care much, do you?"

"No; only I'd rather leave them off. It didn't rain, you see."

"I should say not! It's a perfect day. Did you put a pink ribbon on
Blot?"

"Yes, he looks lovely! Oh, here's Flossy, in her blue bow. If they'll
only behave themselves!"

The puppy and the kitten had become fairly good friends, by reason of
their two young mistresses' training; and frequently met without
fighting, though this was not to be depended on.

"Oh, here comes somebody, Dolly! I feel as if I should run away!"

"Nonsense, Dot! don't be silly! It's only Joe Collins. Hello, Joe; this
is my new friend, Dorothy Rose. It's her party, same as mine."

Joe was far from bashful. "Hay-o, Dorothy," he said, gaily. "Aren't you
afraid you'll get off the line? My, but you girls are particular to
stand just so!"

Dorothy flashed a smile at him. Somehow her shyness vanished, and she
replied, "Oh, we only stood that way, waiting for somebody to come. Now,
we can move around," and she took a few jumpy skips around the lawn. "Do
you live near here?" she went on, by way