Dallas asked, quizzically. "It seems to me that
I have heard that the rain produces a singularly bad effect upon two
little girls I know."
"Yes, papa, we were horrid, especially one time. We didn't know what to
do, and so--and so----"
"'Satan found some mischief still
For idle hands to do;'
was that the way of it?"
Dimple glanced at Florence shamefacedly. "Yes, papa, I'm afraid it was
just that way," she replied, meekly.
"Well, as I said before, I think it wouldn't be a bad plan to provide
against such trouble. Perhaps that birthday will show you a way out of
future difficulty."
And so it proved, for on her birthday morning the secret of the little
house was revealed.
"You must wait till after breakfast to see your birthday gifts,
daughter," Mrs. Dallas said, as Dimple came bounding into the room to
receive her nine kisses.
"Oh, mamma, why? I always have them the first thing. Do tell me where
they are. Downstairs or up here?"
"Downstairs, in one sense, but they are not in the house at all."
Dimple's eyes opened wide. "Not in the house? Florence, just listen.
There is a great secret. Oh, dear, how can I wait?"
"Well, dearie," returned her mother, "the sooner you are dressed the
sooner the secret will come. See, I am nearly ready to go down."
"Please help me, just this morning, mamma.
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