ly
needs one. I am afraid I don't make much of a success in bringing up the
little ones."

"I think Peace is a perfect cherub--in looks."

The trio laughed merrily, and Cecile added, "She means to be in actions,
but nothing she ever does comes out the way she intended it to, and she
keeps everyone guessing as to what she will do next. You ought to hear
Daddy rave about her. He thinks she is the smartest child he ever saw."

"I think she is the sweetest," said Frances, "she and Allee. They are
both too cunning for anything. I simply must have them at my party.
Won't you say they can come?"

"They have nothing to wear for such a grand occasion," Gail hesitated,
anxious to please, and yet not quite willing to trust two of the
precious sisters with strangers for even a twenty-four hours.

"That is easily remedied. I have some little cousins who are sure to
have dresses that will fit. It is to be rather a dress-parade, I must
admit, but you needn't worry on that account. Mamma knows how to fix
them up in Sara's and Marion's clothes. We must have them. Mr. Strong
will give us a good recommend, I know."

Gail laughed. "There is no need of that at all. I am willing that they
should go, only you can hardly blame me for hesitating a little, as this
will be the first time either one has been away from home over night;
and besides, Peace is such a blunderbus, I rather dread to let her go
anywhere for fear she will get into trouble."

"Now you oughtn't to feel that way at all," cried Frances gaily. "_I_
was just such a child as she is, and see what a well-behaved young lady
_I_ have grown to be! But really, she has such a sweet disposition and
great, tender heart, she will come out all right, I know. Mr. Strong
says so, and he is a splendid character reader. Oh, of course, I suppose
she has her bad days. We all do, but she is too much of a darling to
stay bad long. You should hear your preacher sermonize about her. He
says just as sure as she gets into mischief of any kind she comes to him
and tells him all about it, cries over it, and goes away promising to be
a better girl. Oh, I have lost my heart to her completely! We won't let
her get into mischief of any kind, I promise. And I know she will enjoy
herself."

"Well," answered Gail, slowly, "they may go, if you wish them so badly.
How--"

"Cecile will bring them when she comes Saturday morning, if you are
willing. That will give us plenty of time to get everything fixe