n their side."

"They don't, don't they? Well, I rather think we'll change all that. You
and I will attack Mr. Speller every evening, and see if we can't
vanquish him."

"I think we can," said Marjorie, her eyes sparkling. "For it's only some
few of those catchy words that I can't seem to learn. But after you help
me they all seem easy."

So every night that week Midge and her father had a spelling-class of
their own, and fine work was accomplished.

The spelling-match was to be on Friday, and Thursday night they were to
have a grand review of all the lessons. Marjorie brought home her
schoolbooks on Thursday, and left them in the house while she went out
to play. But when she came in to get ready for dinner, her mother was
dressing to go out.

"Where are you going, Mother?" said Marjorie, looking admiringly at her
mother's pretty gown.

"We're going to Mrs. Martin's to dinner, dearie. She invited us over the
telephone this morning. There's a very nice dinner prepared for you
children, and you must have a good time by yourselves, and not be
lonesome. Go to bed promptly at nine o'clock, as we shall be out late."

"Is father going, too?" cried Marjorie, aghast.

"Yes, of course. You may fasten my glove, Midget, dear."

"But I want father to help me with my spelling."

"I thought about that, Mops," said her father, coming into the room.
"And I'm sorry I have to be away to-night. But I'll tell you what we'll
do. When is this great spelling-match,--to-morrow?"

"Yes, to-morrow afternoon."

"Well, you study by yourself this evening, and learn all you can. Then
skip to bed a bit earlier than usual, and then hop up early to-morrow
morning. You and I will have an early breakfast, at about seven o'clock.
Then from half-past seven to half-past eight I'll drill you in that old
speller till you can spell the cover right off it."

"All right," said Marjorie. "It's really just as well for me to study
alone to-night, and then you can help me a lot to-morrow morning. But
won't it make you too late going to business?"

"No, I'll take a half-hour off for your benefit. If I leave here by
half-past eight that will do nicely, and that's about the time you want
to go to school."

So the matter was settled, and Mr. and Mrs. Maynard drove away, leaving
the three children to dine by themselves. The meal was a merry one, for
when thus left to themselves the children always "pretended."

"I'm a princess," said Marjorie, as she