est to build up as few fancies as possible,
but only to pray that you may have a right judgment in all things, and
have strength to do what is right, whatever you may see that to be.'

'And of course that will be to stick by mother.'

'There can be little doubt of that, but the how? No, dear, do not let
us devise all sorts of _hows_ when we have nothing to go upon. That
would be of no use, and only perplex you when the time comes. It would
be much better to "do the nexte thinge," and read our "Marie Stuart."'

Nuttie pouted a little, but submitted, though she now and then broke
into a translation with 'You know mother will never stand up for
herself,' or 'They think I shall be asked to stay with the Egremonts,
but I must work up for the exam.'

However, the school habit of concentrating her attention prevailed, and
the study quieted Nuttie's excitement. The expedition took place as
arranged. There was a train which stopped so that the party could go
down by it, and the distance was not too great for walking back.

Mr. Dutton met them on the platform, well armed with his neat silk
umbrella, and his black poodle, Monsieur, trotting solemnly after him.
Gerard Godfrey bore materials for an exact transcript of the Abbot's
monumental cross, his head being full of church architecture, while
Nuttie carried a long green tin case, or vasculum as she chose to call
it, with her three vowels, U A E, and the stars of the Little Bear
conspicuously painted on it in white.

'You did not venture on that the other day,' said Mr. Dutton. 'How
much of the park do you mean to carry away in it?'

'Let me take it,' said Gerard politely.

'No, thank you. You'd leave it behind, while you were pottering over
the mouldings.'

'You are much more likely to leave it behind yourself.'

'What--with my soldier, my Stratiotes, in it? I think I see myself.'

'Give it to me,' said Gerard. 'Of course I can't see you carrying a
great thing like that.'

'Can't you, indeed?'

'Gently, gently, my dear,' said Miss Mary, as the young people seemed
very near a skirmish, and the train was sweeping up. Then there was
another small scuffle, for Nuttie had set her heart on the third class;
but Mr. Dutton had taken second-class tickets, and was about to hand
them into a carriage whence there had just emerged a very supercilious
black-moustached valet, who was pulling out a leather-covered
dressing-case, while Gerard was consoling Nuttie by tellin