t me, and it wasn't the cat; so don't
ask questions, for they won't be answered. I can't stop here. I must
go at once to Daddy Dumps. I have been a bad, wicked girl, and my
swollen cheek has been sent to me as a punishment.'

'Whoever _dare_'---- began the old retainer, who in her heart of hearts
adored Hollyhock as the most precious of all the Garden Flowers. But
Hollyhock had left her.

The cat was already asleep in her basket by the fire. George Lennox
was enjoying his excellent breakfast, and was busily planning out his
day. Lord Ian's work was remarkably heavy, and he missed his dear
Flowers. He was startled, therefore, when Hollyhock dashed into the
room.

'Daddy Dumps,' she exclaimed, 'do not be frightened now, and don't pass
remarks on my swollen cheek. It was sent me as a punishment, and I 'm
not going to say to any one how I got it; but I 've come here, my own
Dumpy Dad, to tell you, darling, that your Hollyhock will not return on
Saturday with the four other Flower Girls. It's right, and I 'm
content. Good-bye, daddy; good-bye. I 'm struggling at that school,
and in a fight you often get a scar. When didn't the Camerons get a
scar, and weren't they proud of it, the bonnie men?'

Before Mr Lennox could utter a word Hollyhock had rushed out of the
room, scarcely daring to speak any further or even to kiss her father,
for, with all her bravery, tears were very near her black eyes.

She reached the big school in time for breakfast, where her swollen
cheek caused her adorers to look at her with amazed distress and
compassion, and Leucha and Daisy Watson to chuckle inwardly, whereas
the Fraser girls were as sorry for Hollyhock as they could be.

Prayers followed breakfast; and then Leucha, by Mrs Macintyre's
command, had to discharge her painful task. She loathed the thing
unspeakably; but Mrs Macintyre had no idea of letting her off.

'Come, Leucha,' she said, 'you have got something to say to your
companions. You are wearing a rag on your hand. Take it off.'

'It hurts,' said Leucha, meaning her hand, for she clung to the rag as
a sort of flag of protection.

'Take the rag off, and we 'll see for ourselves how much it hurts,'
said Mrs Macintyre.

The girls and teachers all stood wondering by. The only one who felt
sorry was Hollyhock. The rag was removed, and Mrs Macintyre, gazing
keenly at the scratch, said in a disdainful voice, 'I never heard such
a fuss about nothing at all. Now,