"Percy, you mustn't talk so about Dotty. She is my sister. She isn't so very proud; but if I was as handsome as she is, I should be proud too."
"O, no; she is very meek—Dimple is; just like a little lamb. Don't you remember that verse she used to repeat?—
'But, chillens, you should never let
Your naughty ankles rise;
Your little hands were never made
To tear each uzzer's eyes—out.'"
"If she's cross, it's because you and Johnny tease her so," said Prudy.
"I think it's a shame."
Percy only laughed. He and Prudy were sitting in the doorway, arranging bouquets for the dinner-table. Susy joined them, bearing in her hands some dahlias and tuberoses.
"Why, Prudy," said she, "what makes your face all aflame?"
"She has been fighting for your little dove of a sister," replied Percy; "the one that went West to finish her education."
This speech only deepened the color in Prudy's face, though she tried hard to subdue her anger, and closed her lips with the firm resolve not to open them again till she could speak pleasantly.
"Look!" exclaimed Percy; "there's a carriage turning the corner. Why, it's Dimple herself and uncle Edward!"
"It can't be!"