"Gee!" thinks I. "A sister like that wouldn't be so bad to have around." Course, I knew this was comp'ny manners, exhibition stuff; but all the same it was kind of inspirin' to see. It's catchin' too. I even finds myself speakin' gentle to Piddie, and offerin' to help Mr. Ellins with his overcoat. All of which lasts until here one afternoon, as I'm waitin' in the Ellins' lib'ry for some presents I'm to deliver, when the spell is shattered. I'd heard 'em out in the hall, talkin' low and earnest, and next thing I know they've drifted in where I am and have opened up a lively debate. "Pooh!" says Marjorie. "You can't stop me." "See here, Peggy!" comes back Dudley. "Didn't Mother say I was to look after you?" "She didn't tell you to be so everlasting bossy," says Sister. "I'm not bossy," comes back Dudley. "You are so!" says she. "Old fuss budget! Stewcat!" "Rattlehead!" says Dudley. "Don't mind me," I breaks in. "I'm havin' my manners improved." All that brings out, though, is a glance and a shoulder shrug, and they proceed with the squabble. "Dud Chandler," says Marjorie determined, "I am going to drive the car today! You did yesterday for an hour." "That's entirely different," says Dudley. "I'm used to it, and Henry said I might." "And Henry says I may too--so there!" says Marjorie. "And you know I'm just crazy to try it on Fifth Avenue." "You'd look nice, wouldn't you?" says Brother scornful. "A limousine!" "But Bud Adams let me drive theirs; in Boston too," protests Marjorie. "Bud Adams is a bonehead, then," says Dudley. "Dudley Chandler," snaps Sister, her eyes throwin' off sparks, "don't you dare talk that way about my friends!" "Huh!" says Brother. "If there ever was a boob, that Bud Adams is----" Say, there's only a flash and a squeal before Sister has landed a smack on his jaw and has both hands in his hair. Looked like a real rough-house session, right there in the lib'ry, when there comes a call for me down the stairs from Mrs. Ellins. She wants to know if I'm ready. [Illustration: Sister has landed a smack on his jaw.] "Waitin' here, Ma'am," says I, steppin' out into the hall. "And Marjorie and Dudley?" says she. "Are the dear young folks ready too?" "I'll ask 'em," says I. And with that I dodges hack where they're standin' glarin' at each other. "Well," says I, "is it to be a go to a finish, or----" "Come, Marjorie," says Dudley, "be decent." "I--am going to do it!" announces Marjorie. "Mule!" hisses Dudley. And that's the status quo between these two models when we starts for the car. Marjorie makes a quick break and plants herself in front by the chauffeur, leavin' Brother to climb inside with me and the bundles. He grits his teeth and murmurs a few remarks under his breath. "Some pep to that sister of yours, eh?" says I. "She's an obstinate little fool!" says Dudley. "Look at that, now! I knew she would!"