ou could probably get anything in the world except what you most
wanted, Rojjie," said Dorothy sweetly.

"What I most wanted," repeated the girl.

"Yes, dear, a good spanking."

Marjorie made a face at her. Suddenly she jumped up from the table,
and throwing her arms round Dorothy, kissed her impulsively, then a
moment later she returned to her seat, a little shamefacedly as Dorothy
and Mrs. West smiled across at her.

"I know you think I'm a feather-headed little cat, Mrs. West," said
Marjorie wisely. "No, don't deny it," she persisted, as Mrs. West made
a movement as if to speak. "But I'm not worldly all through, really,
and I do like John Dene, and of course I just love Dollikins," she said
with a quaint little smile in Dorothy's direction. "Would you sooner I
went?" she asked, looking from one to the other.

"Sooner you went?"

"Yes, after dinner, I know that John Dene's coming to-night, although
Dorothy won't own up."

"We shouldn't let you go, should we, mother?"

Mrs. West smiled and shook her head.

"Oh, won't it be lovely," cried Marjorie ecstatically, "when I refer to
my friend, Lady Dene. And you will ask me down, Wessie darling, won't
you, and get a lot of nice boys."

Dorothy lowered her eyes to her plate and blushed.

Later in the evening when they were all sitting in the drawing-room and
a ring at the bell was heard, Marjorie danced about the room with
excitement.

"Oh, please let me open the door," she cried. "I promise I won't kiss
him."

"No, dear," said Mrs. West. "Dorothy."

With flaming cheeks and reluctant steps Dorothy left the room. It
seemed to Marjorie a long time before she returned, followed by John
Dene, who, when he had greeted Mrs. West, turned to Marjorie and shook
hands.

"His boots, Dorothy," whispered Marjorie a minute later.

Dorothy looked down at John Dene's feet. The ugly American "footwear"
had been replaced by a pair of well-fitting brown boots.

"Please, Mr. Dene, may I be a bridesmaid?"

"Marjorie!" cried Dorothy.

"I may, mayn't I?" persisted Marjorie. "I'm sure Dorothy won't ask me
unless you insist."

"Sure," replied John Dene genially. He was always a different man when
with Mrs. West and Dorothy.

"You hear, Dorothy. If you don't make me chief bridesmaid I shall--I
shall create a disturbance and say it's bigamy or something, and that
Mr. Dene has already got two wives in Toronto, not to speak of Salt
Lake City. And now I must be ru