ay. It is a long drive, ten miles at
least, and I must start at once. And it will likely be very late when
I get back. But if you are all good, and help Prudence, and uphold the
reputation of the parsonage, I will divide the wedding fee with
you,--share and share alike." This was met with such enthusiasm that
he added hastily, "But wait! It may be only a dollar!"

Then kissing the various members of the parsonage family, he went out
the back door, barnward.

"Now," said Prudence briskly, "I want to make a bargain with you,
girls. If you'll stay clear away from the Ladies, and be very good and
orderly, I'll give you all the lemonade and cake you can drink
afterward."

"Oh, Prudence, I'm sure I can't drink much cake," cried Carol
tragically, "I just can't imagine myself doing it!"

"I mean, eat the cake, of course," said Prudence, blushing.

"And let us make taffy after supper?" wheedled Carol.

Prudence hesitated, and the three young faces hardened. Then Prudence
relented and hastily agreed. "You won't need to appear at all, you
know. You can just stay outdoors and play as though you were model
children."

"Yes," said Carol tartly, "the kind the members used to have,--which
are all grown up, now! And all moved out of Mount Mark, too!"

"Carol! That sounds malicious, and malice isn't tolerated here for a
minute. Now,--oh, Fairy, did you remember to dust the back of the
dresser in our bedroom?"

"Mercy! What in the world do you want the back of the dresser dusted
for? Do you expect the Ladies to look right through it?"

"No, but some one might drop something behind it, and it would have to
be pulled out and they would all see it. This house has got to be
absolutely spotless for once,--I am sure it will be the first time."

"And the last, I hope," added Carol sepulchrally.

"We have an hour and a half yet," continued Prudence. "That will give
us plenty of time for the last touches. Twins and Connie, you'd better
go right out in the field and play. I'll call you a little before two,
and then you must go quietly upstairs, and dress--just wear your plain
little ginghams, the clean ones of course! Then if they do catch a
glimpse of you, you will be presentable.--Yes, you can take some bread
and sugar, but hurry."

"You may take," said Fairy.

"Yes, of course, may take is what I mean.--Now hurry."

Then Prudence and Fairy set to work again in good earnest. The house
was already well cleaned