But she did not give way to her emotion. Honor called the children, when the last load left the field, and led them home. She was hot and tired, and her heart ached, but she was content with herself. She had conquered the rising movement of jealousy, and was ready to accept Hillary as her sister’s acknowledged lover. Kate followed her. An hour later the dance in the barn would begin. The lads and maidens went home to smarten up, and wash off the dust and stain of labour, and the barn had to be decorated with green branches, and the candles lit. Kate went upstairs at once to dress. Honor remained below to hear the children’s prayers, and get the youngest ready for bed. Then she went up to the room she shared with Kate, carrying little Temperance in her arms. ’Oh, Honor, bundle them all in. What a time you have been! We shall be late; and I have promised to open the dance with Larry.’ ’I am not going, Kate.’ ’Not going! Of course you are going.’ ’No, I am not. Father is not home, and will want his supper. Besides, I cannot leave the house with all the little ones in it unprotected.’ ’There are no ogres hereabouts that eat children,’ said Kate, hastily. ’We can manage. This is nonsense; you must come.’ ’I do not care to, Kate. Sit down in that chair, and I will dress your hair. It is tossed like a haycock.’ Kate seated herself, and Honor combed and brushed her sister’s hair, then put a blue riband through it; and took the kerchief from her box, and drew it over Kate’s shoulders, and pinned it in place. ’Oh, Honor! What a lovely silk kerchief! Where did you get this? How long have you had it? Why have you not shown it me before?’ ’It is for you, dearest Kate; I am glad you like it.’ Kate stood up, looked at herself in the glass, and then threw her arms round her sister and kissed her. ’You are a darling,’ exclaimed Kate. ’Always thinking of others, never giving yourself anything. Let me remain at home—do you go instead of me.’ Honor shook her head. She was pleased to see Kate’s delight, but there was an undercurrent of sadness in her soul. She was adorning her sister for Hillary. Kate did not press Honor to go instead of her, though she was sufficiently good-hearted to have taken her sister’s place without becoming ill-tempered, had Honor accepted the offer. ’Do I look very nice?’ asked Kate, with the irresistible dimples coming into her cheeks. ’I wonder what Larry will say when he sees me with this blue ribbon, and this pretty kerchief.’ ’And I—’ said Honor slowly, not without effort, ’I also wonder.’ *CHAPTER XXIII.* *A BRAWL.*