FATHER’S ARRIVAL, 109

“That, dear,” says Nurse, “is hardly clean
enough for you to go anywhere in, is it?”

“Yes; plenty,” I answer promptly; “it’s
just the thing—so soft and cool, you know.
Besides,” I add, “I'm not going with Father.
Gip and I are going with Miss M. in the
pony-carriage. Oh! it will look lovely with
my hat and the feathers, I’m sure;
before Nurse can say another word I’m off
with my treasure, and in another ten minutes

oy)

and

I am arrayed therein; and even Nurse con-
fesses that it looks wonderfully fresh on.

We get through lunch before Father re-
turns, which is a lucky thing for Jack, as he
does not put in an appearance at that meal,
having gone, I conclude, on a fishing expedi-
tion.

Freda and Tiny have retired to their
rooms to adorn themselves; but as our party
is to start first, Miss M., Gip, and I are all
ready with the exception of hats and bonnets,
so after adding these we all three repair to
Mother’s room to have a final chat while
waiting for the carriage.