"That will be because of his piety and humility. I am not as pious and humble as I might be. No, indeed! Not in everything can I humour thee, and trouble myself; but this thing is what I will do--I have a new suit of fine blue flannel; last night I brought it home. At McVittie's it was made, and well it fits me. For thy sake I will wear it. This is the end of our talk. No more will I do." "Thou dear father! It is enough! With a thousand kisses I thank thee." "Too many kisses! Too many kisses! Thou shalt give me five when we finish our dance; one for my curled hair, and one for my white, fresh linen, and one for my socks, and one for my buckled shoes, and the last for my new blue suit. And in that bargain thou wilt get the best of me, so one favour in return from thee I must have." "Dear Father, thy will is my will. What is thy wish?" "I want thy promise not to dance with Wolf Baikie. Because of his sneer I am coaxed to dress as I do not want to dress. Well, then, I will take his place with thee, and every dance he asks from thee is to be given to me." Without a moment's hesitation Thora replied: "That agreement does not trouble me. It will be to my great satisfaction. So, then, thou art no nearer to getting the best of the bargain." "Thou art a clever, handsome little baggage. But my promises I will keep, and it is well for me to be about them. Time flies talking to thee," and he looked at his watch and said, "It is now five minutes past five." "Then thou must make some haste. Dinner is set for six o'clock." "Dost thou think I will fiddle-faddle about myself like a woman?" "But thou must wash----" "In the North Sea I wash me every morning. Before thou hast opened thy eyes I have had my bath and my swim in the salt water." "There is rain water in thy room; try it for a change." And he answered her with a roar of laughter far beyond Thora's power to imitate. But with it ringing in her heart and ears she saw him go to a spare room to keep his promises. Then she hastened to her mother. "Whatever is the matter with thy father, Thora?" "He has promised to wash and dress. I got all I asked for." "Will he change his suit?" "He has a fine new suit. It was hid away in Aunt's room." "What made him do such a childish thing?" "To please thee, it was done. It was to be a surprise, I think." "I will go to him." "No, no, Mother! Let father have the pleasure he planned. To thee he will come, as soon as he is dressed." "Am I right? From top to toe?" "From top to toe just as thou should be. The white roses in thy cap look lovely with the violet silk gown. Very pretty art thou, dear Mother." "I can still wear roses, but they are white roses now. I used to wear pink, Thora."