Sunny Slopes
mirror, she said, "Isn't he the blessedest old thing that ever was? My, I am glad Prudence got married so long ago, or he might have wanted her instead of me. I don't suppose the mansers could possibly object to a complexion like mine. I can get a certificate from father to prove it is genuine, if they don't believe it." 

 Then she gave her full attention to tucking up tiny, straying curls with invisible hair pins, and was quite startled when David called suddenly: 

 "Hurry up, Carol, I am waiting for you." 

 "Oh, bless its heart, I forgot all about it. I am coming." 

 Gaily she ran down the stairs, parted the curtains into the living-room and said: 

 "Why are you sitting in the dark, David? Headache, or just plain sentimental? Where are you?" 

 "Over here," he said, in a curious, quiet voice. 

 She groped her way into the center of the room and clutched his arms. "David," she said, laughing a little nervously, "here goes the last gasp of my dear old Methodist fervor." 

 "Why, Carol—" he interrupted. 

 "Just a minute, honey. After this I am going to be settled and solemn and when I feel perfectly glorious I'll just say, 'Very good, thank you,' and—" 

 "But, Carol—" 

 "Yes, dear, just a second. This is my final gasp, my last explosion, my dying outburst. Rah, rah, rah, David. Three cheers and a tiger. Amen! Hallelujah! Hurrah! Down with the traitor, up with the stars! Now it's all over. I am a Presbyterian." 

 David's burst of laughter was echoed on every side of the room and the lights were switched on, and with a sickening weakness Carol faced the young people of her husband's church. 

 "More Presbyterians, dear, a whole houseful of them. They wanted to surprise you, but you have turned the tables on them. This is my wife, Mrs. Duke." 

 Slowly Carol rallied. She smiled the irresistible smile. 

 "I am so glad to meet you," she said, softly, "I know we are going to like each other. Aren't you glad you got here in time to see me become Presbyterian? David, why didn't you warn me that surprise parties 
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