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176 longing to add a little beauty to her friend's sallow face by a graceful adjustment of the flowers.

"Can't help it, that's the way, and so it must be," answered Fan, planting another sprig half-way up the tower.

Polly groaned, and offered no more suggestions as the work went on; but when Fan was finished from top to toe, she admired all she honestly could, and tried to keep her thoughts to herself. But her frank face betrayed her, for Fanny turned on her suddenly, saying,—

"You may as well free your mind, Polly, for I see by your eyes that something don't suit."

"I was only thinking of what grandma once said, 'that modesty had gone out of fashion,'" answered Polly, glancing at the waist of her friend's dress, which consisted of a belt, a bit of lace, and a pair of shoulder straps.

Fanny laughed good-naturedly, saying, as she clasped her necklace, "If I had such shoulders as yours, I shouldn't care what the fashion was. Now don't preach, but put my cloak on nicely, and come along, for I'm to meet Tom and Trix, and promised to be there early."

Polly was to be left at home after depositing Fan at Belle's.

"I feel as if I was going myself," she said, as they rolled along.

"I wish you were, and you would be, Polly, if you weren't such a resolute thing. I've teased, and begged, and offered anything I have if you'll only break your absurd vow, and come and enjoy yourself."