But things were not always to run so smoothly for Mr. Plaisted, and this first day of April brought such discomfiture that his fastidious feelings were very much upset. About noon, when the streets were thronged with pedestrians returning from work or school to the mid-day meal, Dexie noticed Mr. Plaisted sauntering toward the house, twirling his light cane and looking as if he thought himself the pink of perfection. But what was it that was fluttering in the breeze behind him? Some urchin--exasperated, no doubt, by Plaisted's immaculate appearance--had fastened to his coat-tails a bunch of dirty rags, and as Dexie watched him from the window, she was convulsed with laughter as she saw him lift his hat and bow profoundly to the two Desbrasy girls on the opposite sidewalk, who immediately pulled out their handkerchiefs and applied them to their faces; but he walked on, unconscious of the diversion he was causing to the passers-by. As he came into the house, Dexie struck an attitude, and exclaimed, in a tragic voice, "I could a tale unfold!" Plaisted stood in the doorway, and looked at her in amazement. "Dexie, don't be a fool," said Gussie, looking up from her wools, and frowning at her sister's strange behavior. "No, Gussie; I don't intend even to _try_ and be one, for when Mr. Plaisted assumes that character, no one else has a possible chance either as court fool or April fool." Plaisted was too surprised to speak, and Dexie took no heed to his darkening brow, but continued, "So _you_ have been studying Shakespeare, and this is a practical illustration, I presume; or possibly you are posing as a disciple of Darwin, and, to prove his theory, have unfolded your tail to the public gaze. I have often wondered what it was you needed to make you a perfect specimen of what Nature intended you to be." Then, catching his arm, she turned him about that Gussie might see, adding, "He is quite complete now, Gussie--see! This is a specimen of the species known as the 'missing link.'" "For goodness' sake! how long have you been carrying that?" cried Gussie, quite horrified at the sight. Plaisted turned his head, and understood at a glance the meaning of Dexie's words. Then, angrily grasping the cause of offence, he endeavored to remove it, till an ominous sound of tearing cloth caused him to desist. "Take it off! take it off! You, Dexter!" he cried, backing around to her. "Take off that trash, I say!" But that word "Dexter" sealed all chance of help as far as Dexie was concerned, for she put her hands behind her back and surveyed him scornfully. "Not I! I wouldn't disfigure you for worlds; it quite completes your appearance. It would be a sin to remove what Nature seems to have forgotten in your make-up." "Do take it off for him, Dexie," said Gussie, coaxingly. I would myself, only I don't want to dirty my hands."