Aunt 'Ria washed all those grease-spots out of my dress, and I had on a clean ruffle.

And then, just 'cause I couldn't say _coker-whacker_--" "There, there, don't feel so bad, you precious sister," said a soothing voice; and a soft cheek was pressed to Dotty's, and a pair of loving arms clasped her close.

"Percy was real too-bad, and so was Flossy--so there!" "O, Prudy, I wish they were every one of 'em in the penitential, locked in, and Johnny too! Me just got home, and never did a single thing to them! And there they laughed right in my face!" "But you know, dear, they don't think," said Prudy, who found it unsafe to sympathize too much with her angry sister; "they never do think; they don't mean any harm." "I'll make 'em think!" cried Dotty, fiercely.

"I'll scare 'em so they'll think! I'll take a pumpkin, and I'll take a watermelon, and I'll take--" "Dear me, Dotty, that is a beautiful ring on your finger.

I wish I had one just like it." Dotty cast a suspicious glance at her sister.
"Don't you try to pacify ME, Prudy Parlin." Prudy held a handful of southernwood to her nose, and smiled behind it.
"This isn't _temper_, Prudy Parlin, 'cause you said your own self they 'bused me." "Such a cunning little pearl!" remarked Prudy, still admiring the ring; "how glad I should be if you'd wish it on to my finger, Dotty!" "They 'bused me, Prudy Parlin, and you know it." "Only till night, Dotty Dimple.