“Abby Grant, the little girl that went behind the tree and let me lose myself.  I’d as lief she’d go to New York as not.  If you’d only waited for her she’d have growed up.”

By this time Mrs. Parlin, though somewhat amused by her little daughter’s sharp speeches, thought it best to put an end to them by taking her away into a corner.  She was too much inclined to pertness.

The evening was very delightful; but like everything else in this world it could not last always.  After the guests had departed, and before the doors were closed or the lights put out, the three tired children slowly wound their way up stairs.

“I’m glad it’s over and done,” said Prudy, resignedly.  “I’ve cried just all I’m going to.”

“I only wish Grace Clifford had been here,” murmured Susy, clutching hold of the baluster.

“Well, I don’t wish nothing so there,” said Dotty Dimple, dreamily.

And this is the last word we are to hear from her.  She is nearly asleep.  Let us bid her and her two older sisters a Good Night and Pleasant Dreams.