ls disappeared across the fields on the
way to school the next morning, when the Abbott carriage drew up in
front of the little brown house, and Cecile and Frances hurried up the
path to the door. Gail answered the imperative knock, and looked so
surprised and pleased at the unexpected call that the Judge's daughter's
face crimsoned with contrition and shame to think she had neglected this
old-time friend so long.

"Why, Cecile!" stammered Gail, glancing involuntarily from the girls'
fresh, white suits to her own shabby print frock and rolled-up sleeves.
"This is a great treat. Come right in! We are so glad to have you call.
Don't apologize; you are more than welcome. But please excuse my
appearance. It is Monday morning and Faith and I are washing."

"Then don't you apologize, either," said Cecile, trying to laugh easily
and failing utterly. "We should not have called at this outrageous hour,
but Frances is to return to the city this afternoon, and she insisted
upon coming to see about the children before she left."

"Oh!" The bright light died from Gail's eyes, and the girls looked
uncomfortable. So it was an errand after all and not a friendly call
which brought them. "What is the matter with the children? Has Peace--"

"No, oh, no, nothing has happened," Cecile began hastily, when Frances
interrupted, "It was on my account. Your little whistler has captivated
me completely--and mamma, too. We wanted to know if we might borrow them
next Saturday, Peace and Allee, to help out in the program at a party I
am giving that night. Oh, don't say no! I have set my heart on it. We
will take the best care of them and bring them home early Sunday
morning. We are coming out here for dinner at Mr. Strong's house that
day, and of course must arrive in time for church service. Please say we
can borrow them. I do want them _so_ much!"

"Dear me," exclaimed Cecile in mortification. "I haven't even introduced
you two girls. No wonder you think I am crazy, Gail. This is my chum
from Martindale, Miss Sherrar, Miss Greenfield--"

"I'm Frances," again the radiant-faced stranger interrupted.

"And I am Gail," smiled the other. "I have heard the Strongs speak of
you often."

"No oftener than we have heard them speak about you," Frances assured
her. "We have known both of them for years, and ever since they took
charge here in Parker we have heard lots about you."

"No doubt. Mr. Strong is quite a champion of Peace's, and she certain