The little boys were interested to know which one of them would get it, for it was usually considered a compliment.

But Dotty did not notice any of the boys; she quickly stepped up to a young girl with frizzes of hair falling into her eyes, and gay streamers of ribbons flying abroad.
Little miss took the key with an affected smile and a shake of her shaggy locks, never doubting she was receiving a great honor.
But when, at the close of the game, the players explained themselves, Mallie Lewis was startled by these words from the little Portland girl:-- "I was told to give the key to the most horrid-looking person in the room, and _I did so_!" Dotty had not stopped to reflect that "the truth should not be spoken at all times," and is often out of place in games of amusement.

But to do her justice, she was ashamed of her rudeness the moment the words were spoken.

Prudy was blushing from the roots of her hair to the lace in her throat.

"Why hadn't Dotty given the key to Horace or herself?
Then nobody would have minded." Ah, Prudy, your little sister, though more brilliant than you are, has not your exquisite tact.
Mrs.Pragoff tried to laugh off this awkward blunder, but did not succeed.