CHAPTER XVI

lingswouldletyou.” Valancyshowedallherpointedteethinagrin. “Theycouldn’tstopme.” “Ididn’tthinkyou’dsomuchspunk,”saidRoaringAbeladmiringly.“Andlookattheniceanklesofher,”headded,ashesteppedasidetoletherin. IfCousinStickleshadheardthisshewouldhavebeencertainthatValancy’sdoom,earthlyandunearthly,wassealed.ButAbel’ssuperannuatedgallantrydidnotworryValancy.Besides,thiswasthefirstcomplimentshehadeverreceivedinherlifeandshefoundherselflikingit.Shesometimessuspectedshehadniceankles,butnobodyhadevermentioneditbefore.IntheStirlingclanankleswereamongtheunmentionables. RoaringAbeltookherintothekitchen,whereCissyGaywaslyingonthesofa,breathingquickly,withlittlescarletspotsonherhollowcheeks.ValancyhadnotseenCeciliaGayforyears.Thenshehadbeensuchaprettycreature,aslight,blossom-likegirl,withsoft,goldenhair,clear-cut,almostwaxenfeatures,andlarge,beautifulblueeyes.Shewasshockedatthechangeinher.CouldthisbesweetCiss