d take it away.

"It is very good of you, dear Herbert," said Caroline, while their mamma
paused to look at her children. "I was just coming to arrange them, when I
find you, like that kind fairy-man in my new book, setting everything in
order."

[Illustration: SURPRISED AT WORK.]

The idea passed through Herbert's mind for a moment that perhaps Caroline
did not know how her flowers had been broken, and so he need not tell her
he had had anything to do with it. He had felt very miserable ever since
it happened, thinking that his papa would be certain to find it out and
punish him, and at the same time he was ashamed when he thought of his
unkind treatment of his sister. It was only for a moment he hesitated,
however; then turning frankly round, he said, "I am very sorry, Carry,
your garden has been destroyed. It was all my fault, but I did not mean
it. I took--"

"Yes, I know," said Caroline, interrupting him; "but don't say any more
about it, we can easily get it put right again; indeed, you have done a
great deal already. How early you must have been up!"

"Yes," said Herbert, with a smile; "I was down here when the clock struck
four. I was up even before the sun. But I must say, Carry, it is good of
you to pass it over. I won't forget it in a hurry, I can tell you."

Caroline asked him not to say another word about it, and, as she turned to
go to the tool-house, she saw her mamma looking at them very seriously.

Herbert, with downcast face, was compelled to tell how disobedient he had
been in breaking through his papa's express order not to take Neptune into
the garden. His mamma was very angry with him, but after giving him a
severe scolding, she said she would not punish him this time, as he had
tried to repair the damage done by getting up so early, and also because
Carry had made the request after being the chief sufferer.

As it was still early, their mamma bade them run for their hats, and she
would take them a walk till breakfast was ready. Before they set out, she
gave each of them a drink of milk and some biscuits, as they were not
accustomed to be out so early. It was a lovely morning, and the children
enjoyed the walk very much. As they were returning home, they passed by a
part of the park where their papa allowed a number of sheep to graze; and
as they were looking over the paling, one of the sheep came close up to
them and began to bleat.

"I am sure, mamma," cried Caroline, "that must be my pe