Little, he's only been in Centerville about a
year. Well, he took me in for oysters and bought me candy and three
turns at the grab bag. And he is a grown-up man--he's been a doctor for
over two years."

Katy would hardly have told this story if Gertie had been there. She
neglected to mention that Dr. Wade had kindly included Gertie and five
other young girls in these courtesies. Or that he had remarked to Mrs.
Halford that he loved to be with children because he missed his own
brothers and sisters sadly. But Gertie was not present to mar the effect
of this story with further particulars. Mamie began to rack her brain
for forgotten attentions worthy to be classed with this superb
generosity. Poor Chicken Little was hopelessly out-classed. Nothing more
thrilling than being singled out in games and Blackman at school had
happened to her.

"Grant Stowe said you had the prettiest eyes of any girl here to-night.
I heard him tell Jennie Brown so when she asked him whether he liked
blue eyes or brown best. She is the awfulest thing--always fishing for
compliments."

This was generous of Mamie, for Grant was the one who had passed her by
so recently. But Katy's eyes were also distanced and Mamie had been very
much thrilled by hearing that Ernest might go to Annapolis. Further, he
had chosen her twice that evening. She felt amiably disposed toward
Ernest's sister.

When the tales of past glories were exhausted, the conversation grew
intermittent, being punctuated by frequent yawns. They were just on the
point of dropping off to sleep when Mamie suddenly opened her eyes and
sat up in bed with a jerk.

"Music! Don't you hear it? I shouldn't wonder if some of the boys were
out serenading. Oh, I do hope they'll come here."

Katy and Chicken Little listened breathlessly.

"It is!"

"Yes, and it's coming nearer."

All three hopped out of bed and crouched down by the window. The moon
was setting, but there was still a faint radiance. The strains were
growing more distinct.

"I bet it's Grant Stowe and his two cousins from the Prairie Hill
district. They are staying all night with him and are going to the
picnic to-morrow. Don't you remember that red-headed boy?"

"It sounds like a banjo and guitar," said Katy. "Oh, I do love a guitar.
It always makes me think of 'Gaily the troubadour.'" Katy gave a wriggle
of delight at this romantic ending to the night's festivities. She was
already planning to tell the girls at home a