with a gracious smile, then ordered Gerald to his feet at last so that he might curtsey to her guests.

"Gerald darling, what do we say to

our guests?" she inquired.

Tears came to his eyes as he whis-

pered, "I's a ickle dirl!"

"Oh, you poor darling," Nancy exclaimed teasingly, hurrying to his side to slip her arms about him and hug him. "Here, let me dry your tears!"

Cheeks crimsoning, eyes flashing his suppressed anger, Gerald pulled away from her, shouting, "You leave me alone!"

Glancing hopefully toward his aunt, who gave her assent, Nancy persued her vicious teasing.

Gerald

"Oh, what a pretty frou-frou. must be wearing oodles of taffeta pettis!" she said.

Before he quite comprehended what her intentions were, Nancy reached out and gathered his skirts in her fingers, then with a loud "WHEE!" tossed them in the air. Gerald pressed them down with frenzied fingers, hoping against hope that the horrible

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40

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little sheath had not caught their attention. Apparently, however, it had gone unnoticed, for no mention of it was forthcoming.

"You leave me alone!" he demanded,

"My

"GERALD !!!" his aunt exclaimed. goodness, child, whatever happened to your manners? Nancy only wanted to hear the pretty swish of your petticoats!"

000

"But but...!" Then he lapsed into a silence. He had noticed the dark frown which clouded his aunt's features.

"Nancy, dear, I do think Gerald's sash bow needs attention. Would you see to it, dear?" his aunt requested.

"Oh, I'd love to!" she cried,

A shamefaced, blushing Leslie was obliged to endure the indignity of having Nancy adjust his sash bow.

Finally, Nancy exclaimed, "There we are little girl! All nice and pretty!"

"What do you say, Leslie?" his aunt

demanded.

"Thank you for fixing my bow, Nancy!" 41 -