Their aunt was in the lower hall with Ikey, who was looking dignified,
if not a trifle stiff, in a new standing collar. Louise decided that
he needed a rose in his buttonhole, and danced away to get one when
her sash had been arranged to her satisfaction.
Though there was more than a year's difference in their ages, Bess and
Louise were exactly the same height, and were sometimes taken for
twins. This delighted them beyond measure, and to help the impression
they wished to be dressed alike, down to the smallest detail.
Though Bess's hair curled prettily she insisted on wearing it in two
braids, because that was the only comfortable fashion in which her
sister's heavy locks could be arranged. Aunt Zelie laughed at them,
but let them have their way.
Carl and Aleck were the last to appear, which Bess thought was very
strange, considering they had no sashes to be tied, or hair to be
curled or braided.
"Now trot along and have the best kind of a time," said Aunt Zelie
after she had inspected them, and given some finishing touches to
their cravats; "I am proud of my girls and boys."
They were a merry party as they started out, waving their good-bys,
Ikey feeling particularly proud to be counted one of her boys.
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