d ears.

"Kate, take them in," said the mistress to a tiny monitress, when she
became conscious of the inquiring glances. All were seated demurely as
Elsie and the two ladies entered.

"Now," said Lady Constance, "do you not think you might give these
little ones a holiday this fine afternoon, so that you and my sister
may have a good chat?"

"Perhaps I had better," replied Elsie; then turning to the eager
audience, "Children, these kind ladies have come all this way to see
me, and have asked me to give you a holiday; what do you say?"

"Thank you, ma'am," responded the little chorus.

"Very well," said the mistress; "mind you don't get into any mischief.
No noise," she added quickly, as she perceived that Lady Eleanor's
friend was expanding his lungs, and gathering up his little
bantam-cock-like figure, preparatory to starting a cheer. "No noise;
poor gran is very bad to-day, and would not like it. Go quietly."

And so they did, under the generalship of tiny Kate, all defiling past
in silence, save Master "Naw," who, being the hero of the school,
thought it necessary to distinguish himself; therefore, being forbidden
to cheer, he stepped forward, and touching his forehead with a bow,
said--

"Thank your ladyships both;" and then, with a rush to the door, "Now,
boys, we'll have a look at the ponies."

"He is almost past me," said Elsie, laying her hand on the boy's
shoulder as he darted through the door.

"You have them in very good order, I think," said Lady Constance; "but
I was sorry to hear you say the old lady was so poorly. Let us go and
see her."

Elsie led the way, and as she lifted the latch they caught Mrs.
McAravey's plaintive voice--

"I 've been thinking long for you, Elsie, lass, for I heard the
children say as the ladies had come. You won't take her from a poor
old creature, will you, miss?" she added, as the visitors came in view;
"I won't have long to trouble you."

"O no," said Lady Eleanor, kindly; "we 've only come to pay you and
Elsie a visit. She is just like her mother, Mrs. McAravey; and now
that you are so weak and low you ought to be glad she has found some of
her mother's friends. We will always take care of her."

"The Lord be thanked!" murmured the old woman, lying back with closed
eyes; "and I bless His name He has brought me to see the day. Elsie's
a good lass--none better, ladies."

Almost immediately she fell off into a broken and uneasy sleep, while
Elsie and