Page:Mistress Madcap Surrenders (1926).pdf/260

 assumes airs thus to impress us all! But I do not fear him, though he does scold! See!' She flew back, and while Charity and her mother watched laughingly, she stood a-tiptoe and pulled her lover's nose until he held up his hands in hasty surrender. Then she swaggered gaily back to Mehitable. "I am not afraid o' the man!" she finished. "Now, come, kiss and make up, both o' ye! I was only silly and tired, else I should never ha' felt hurt. And he shall scold ye no more, Hitty!" And pulling brother and sister toward each other, she made them kiss each other, and the little scene ended in laughter.

The next day dawned as lovely as any bride could wish.

"Don't be late for church!" said everyone, rushing around in confusion. And of the ones who said it the most often and the most seriously, Mehitable was that person.

"Mother, where be my silken shirt?" That was Squire Condit's voice shouting down the stairs.

"Oh, Mother—Ram's horn! Someone hath hidden the !" That was John's voice, impatient, nervous.

"Moth-er! Don't pick the white roses—I wish to gather them last—they wilt so quickly!" Charity was to see to the arrangement of the nosegays.

"Mother, I vow someone has sat upon this bonnet! It never had this shape before!" Mehitable