was a shame; and he ended by
saying if I did not follow your example, and listen to Sir Felix, he
would keep me on bread and water; and then I laughed out loud, and he
left the room in a fury. How could you be so weak?"

"I don't know," faltered Tiny, "only that I was very miserable.
Constant dropping will wear a stone."

"Then the stone must be very soft. Withdraw your promise," cried Fin.
"Do as I do. I'll be as obedient a child as I can, but I will not be
married against my will."

"Please, Miss, somebody's downstairs already," said their maid, entering
the room. "And Edward says Sir Hampton's in a towering passion because
there was no one but him in the drawing-room."

"Isn't mamma there?" cried Fin.

"No, Miss, her ladyship was dressed, and going down; but her primrose
satin came undone--give way at the hooks and eyes--and she had to go
back to change it."

"Tell Edward to say we'll be down in a moment," said Fin.

Hurrying the girl out of the room, she turned to Tiny, who stood looking
pale and stunned.

"It wasn't true, Fin!" she said, pitifully, as her face began to work.
"He wasn't deceitful. I saw her to-day."

"Saw whom?" exclaimed Fin, in wonder.

"That poor girl. She sent for me--she is dying; and oh, Fin, darling, I
feel as if my heart would break!"

She sank sobbing on her sister's shoulder, sadly disarranging poor Fin's
dress; but that was forgotten as, with eager haste, the little maiden
tried hard to soothe and comfort her.

"If ma won't fight for you, Tiny, I will," she cried, impetuously. "I
declare its too bad. I don't half know what you are talking about; but
Frank--I mean Mr Pratt, always sticks up for his friend. Ugh! I wish
I'd been near when that wicked Mrs Lloyd changed the babies, I'd have
knocked her head off."

At this moment there was a knock at the bedroom door.

"Coming--coming--coming--coming!" said Fin, in a crescendo,

Then running to the door, she opened it once more to the maid.

"Please, Miss--"

"Bother--bother--bother!" cried Fin. "Don't you see Miss Rea's poorly?
Go and say we'll be down soon."

"But, please, Miss, Sir Hampton sent Edward for me, and jumped on me
horrid. He said it was my fault you weren't dressed, and your dear ma
looks quite frightened with the people coming."

"Go and say we'll come down as soon as my sister's better--there!"

She half pushed the girl from the room, and then turned to Tiny.

"Now, look here, Tiny--you'r