ome, Pixie. If I get a chance I'll bring you something
upstairs from the supper-table. You can't put lumps of jelly in your
pocket, but if there is anything dry, I'll bring it to you when I go to
bed!"

"So will I, Pixie. My party frock has a baggy front, so I can carry a
lot. I could get a whole cheese-cake in when no one was looking. Or
would you rather have a mince pie?"

"I think I'd rather have--both," said Pixie sadly. "I shall be so
hungry, lying alone repining! I have never been to a party except once,
at Bally William, and that wasn't a party either, for there was only me
and two other boys, and the girls of the house, but we had crackers all
the same, and I got an elegant little fan. The same I offered to you,
Lottie, when you went out last time!"

"I remember, but it didn't go with my dress. That's another thing,
Pixie--you haven't a dress to wear, so it's just as well you aren't
asked, after all! I managed to make you presentable for a half-term
evening, but that old frock of yours would never do for a breaking-up
party."

Well, Lottie evidently intended to be comforting, but she had an
extraordinary tactless way of going about it, Kate reflected angrily.
She herself had a much happier inspiration, when she said with an
elaborate affectation of relief--

"And it's an ill wind that blows nobody good! What we should have done
without you to help us to dress, I really don't know! Mind you come to
me first now. Ethel doesn't need you half so much, for her hair curls
naturally, and mine always takes an unruly turn when it sees my best
dress, and refuses to lie as I want it."

The listeners opened their eyes significantly, for no one had ever seen
Kate's hair untidy, and it was impossible to imagine the lank locks
exhibiting roving propensities; but Pixie smiled, and that was all that
had been desired. Pixie flicked the tears away and cried eagerly--

"I'll plait it in four, like I used to do Bridgie's when she went
visiting. You wouldn't believe the style there is to ut. Esmeralda
said no one would believe that it was really her own. It was for all
the world as if she had bought a plait and stuck it on. I'll make yours
look like that too, if you'll give me time!"

"Oh, I'll give you time!" laughed Kate pleasantly. Her conscience
misgave her when she thought of her behaviour during the last days, and
saw how ready the child was to forgive the cold contempt, with which she
had been trea