The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-04-06
CHAPTER Ix-continued.
p

He went upstairs to obey, with de-
Spair in his heart. But to the girls,
there vas nothing strange in this ex-
actness on the part of Prudence. Jer-
rold Harmer was the hero of the ro-
nance, and they must unite to do him
honor. He was probably a prince in
disguise. Jerrold Harmer was a per-
fectly thrilling name. 1t was really a
shame that America allows no titles
Lord Jerrold did sound so noble, and
Lady Prudence was very effective, too.
He and Prudence were married, and
had a family of four children, named
for the various STAIRS, before one hour
had passed.
"Tl begin my book right away"
Lark was saying. She and Carol were
in the dining DON madly polishing
their Sunday shoes, what time they
were not performing the marriage GER
emony of their sister and the hero.
"Yes, do! But for goodness sake,
don't run her into a mule! Seems to
me even Prudence could have done bet
ter than that"
I'll have his automobile break down
Al Liz AhuAC VI Tic lOdQs anu L
dence can run into it. The carburetor
came off, and of course the car
wouldn't run an inch without it."
Eyes, that's good" said Carol APP
provingly. "It must be a sixty-cylin-
der, eight horse power-er-tonneau
or something real big and costly"
Twins! You won't be ready"
warned Prudence, and this dire posi-
bility sent them flying upstairs in a
panic.
While the girls, bubbling over with
excitement, were dressing for the great
event, Mr.. Starr went downstairs to
sit with Prudence. Carol called to him
on his way down, and he paused on
the staircase, looking up at her.
Lark and l r going to use some
of Fairy's powder, father" she said.
1--WE feel that we simply must on an
occasion like this. And for goodness
sake, don't mention it before him 1t
doesn't happen very often, you know,
but today we simply must. Now, don't
you say anything about falling in the
-four barrel, or turning pale all of a
sudden, whatever else you do. We'd
be so mortified, father"
Mr.. Starr was concerned with
weightier matters, and went on down
to Prudence with never so much as a
reproving shake of the head for the
worldly-minded young twins.
Father" began Prudence, her eyes
on the lace coverlet, "do you think it
would be all right for me to wear that
silk dressing gown of mothers? l
need something over my nightgown,
and my old flannel kimono is so ugly.
You know, mother said / was Il have
it, and-rm twenty now. Do you think
it would be all right? But if you do
not want me to wear it"
Il do want you TO-" was the prompt
reply. "Yes, it is quite time you We're
wearing it. I'll get it out of the trunk
myself, and send Fairy down to help
YOU" Then as he turned toward the
door. he asked carelessly, as he very
g~ood-looking, Prudence?"
And Prudence, with a crimson face,
answered quickly, "Oh, I really didn't
notice. father"
he went on upstairs then, and pres
emily Fairy came down with the dainty
silk gown trimmed with fine soft lace.
II brought my lavender ribbon for your
hair. Prudence. 1t will match the
gown so nicely. Oh, you do look sweet,
dearest. I pity Jerrold Hammer. 1 can
tell you that. Now / must hurry and
finish my own dressing"
But with her foot on the bottom
tair. she paused. Her sister was call
ing after her. "Send father down here,
quick, Fairy"
Father ran down quickly. and Pru-
uence, catching hold of his hands,
whispered ~wretchedly, "Oh, father. be
he is good-looking. II did notice
II. I didn't really mean to lie to you"