d
the deal dressing-table were as white as the scrubbing of honest hands
could make them. The whole room smelt of a curious mixture of turpentine,
soap, and fresh flowers.

"I had the lavender sheets put on the bed for you and me," said Nancy.
"They are of the finest linen. My mother spun them herself, and she put
them in lavender years and years ago. I am heartily glad to welcome you,
little Paulie. This is the very first time you have ever slept under our
humble roof. So kiss me, dear."

"How snug and sweet it all is!" said Pauline. "I am glad that I came."

"This is better than lying down hungry in your own little room," said
Nancy.

"Oh, much better!"

Pauline skipped about. Her high spirits had returned; she was charmed
with the room in which she was to repose. Through the lattice window the
sweetest summer air was entering, and roses peeped all round the frame,
and their sweet scent added to the charm of the old-fashioned chamber.

"I hope you won't mind having supper in the kitchen," said Nancy. "I know
it's what a Dale is not expected to submit to; but, nevertheless, in Rome
we do as the Romans do--don't we?"

"Oh, yes; but I wish you wouldn't talk like that, Nancy. As if I cared.
Whether I am a lady or not, I am never too fine for my company; and it
was when Aunt Sophia wanted us to give you up that I really got mad with
her."

"You are a darling and a duck, and I love you like anything," said Nancy.
"Now come downstairs. We are all hungry, and the boys are mad to be at
the fireworks."

"I have never seen fireworks in my life," said Pauline.

"You poor little innocent! What a lot the world has to show you! Now
then, come along."

Pauline, deprived of her hideous hat, looked pretty and refined in her
white dress. She made a contrast to the showy Nancy and the Perkins
girls. The boys, Jack and Tom Watson, looked at her with admiration, and
Jack put a seat for Pauline between himself and his brother.

The farmer nodded to her, and said in his bluff voice:

"Glad to welcome you under my humble roof, Miss Pauline Dale. 'Eartily
welcome you be. Now then, young folks, fall to."

The meal proceeded to the accompaniment of loud jokes, gay laughter, and
hearty talking. The farmer's voice topped the others. Each remark called
forth fresh shouts of laughter; and when a number of dogs rushed in in
the middle of supper, the din almost rose to an uproar.

Pauline enjoyed it all very much. She laughed with t