"I declare you are simply stunning in that thing," he said, admiration showing itself in every part of him. "It is a dream!" She frowned, arching her brows reflectively. She bit her lip. "Oh, I don't know!" she said. "I was just trying it on to please mother and Miss Stella. Look at the silly things gaping like goggle-eyed perch at the window. One would think that the revolutions of the earth on its axis and the movement of all the planets depended on this scrap of cloth and the vain thing that has it on." "Take my advice and buy it," Mostyn urged. "It fairly transforms you--makes you look like a creature from another world." She shrugged her shoulders. She cast a slow glance after the figure trudging along the dusty road. She looked down at her breast and daintily flicked at the pink ribbons which were fluttering in the gentle breeze. "It is a flimsy thing," he heard her say, as if in self-argument. "It wouldn't stand many wearings before it would look a sight. It wouldn't wash--man as you are, Mr. Mostyn, you know it wouldn't wash. I'm going to take it off and try to have some sense. I'm in no position to try to make a show. School-teachers here in the backwoods have no right to excite comment by the gaudy finery they wear. I'm paid by people's taxes. Did you know that? I might find myself out of a job--out of employment, I mean. Some of these crusty old fellows that believe it is wrong to have an organ in church had just as soon as not enter a complaint against me as being too frivolous to hold a position of trust like mine." "Oh, I think you are very wrong to allow such an idea as that to influence you," Mostyn argued, warmly. He was about to add more, but Tom Drake sauntered round the corner, chewing tobacco and smiling broadly. He scarcely deigned to notice Dolly's altered appearance. "John says you didn't git a nibble," he laughed. "I hardly 'lowed you would. The water is too low and clear. I've ketched 'em with my hand under the rocks in such weather as this." Leaving them together, Dolly went into the house, where she was met by the two eager women. "I'll bet Mr. Mostyn thought it was nice," Mrs. Drake was saying. "Well, I certainly hope so," Miss Munson answered. "They say Atlanta men in his set are powerful good judges of women's wear." Dolly had advanced straight to the mirror and stood looking at her reflection, a quizzical expression on her face. "Hurry, unhook me!" she ordered, sharply. "Quick! I've got to run over to Barnett's cabin. Robby isn't any better. In fact, he is dangerous and Annie needs me." The two women, eying each other inquiringly, edged up close to her, one on either side. "Dolly, what is the matter? I knew something was wrong the minute you come in the door." "It is all right," Dolly said, in a low tone. "It is very sweet and pretty, Miss Stella, but I have decided not to--not to take it."