y, determined to use as long words as
True did; 'and you make my white dress all dirty. I try to be ever so
good; but you go on and on, and I'm getting wickeder and wickeder!'

A little sob came up in his throat. Bobby had the sincere desire to be
good, but he found it very hard to knock under to True, who was quite
determined in her own mind that she ought to be the ruler.

They welcomed their father back joyfully. He seemed very tired, but
more cheerful than he had been for a long time.

'I have found some rooms in West Kensington quite cheap, and I really
think we shall be very comfortable there. It will be cheaper than
living out of town. I can only manage three rooms; but Margot will
have one with you, True, and Bobby and I will have the other; and
there's quite a nice front sitting-room. You will be able to watch all
the traffic in the street from its window.

'Are you very, very poor, dad?' asked True.

'I have enough to keep you in food and clothes,' said Mr. Allonby, 'and
for schooling, I hope; but it will be a tight fit until I get my book
written.'

Margot sighed when she heard they were to go to London, but True and
Bobby were delighted. They enjoyed the bustle of packing; and when,
one dull November day, they were whirled away in the train towards
their new home they were beside themselves with delight. It was dark
when they got out of the train. The drive across London in a cab
through the brilliantly lighted streets was enchanting to them; and
when they reached their lodgings, and were allowed to sit up to a late
supper with their father, consisting of mutton-chops and cheese and
pickles, Bobby informed his father that it was better than any birthday
treat.

They went to bed very happy but very tired, and for the next few days
the novelty of their surroundings kept them quiet and good. Bobby had
a real thirst for information, and, when his father took him out,
proved a very interesting little companion. True was delighted to go
shopping with Margot, who was so disgusted with the landlady's cooking,
and so miserable at having so little housework to do, that she never
gave Mr. Allonby any rest till he arranged that she should have the use
of the kitchen stove for a part of the day.

It was about the second week after their arrival that Bobby heard of
his grandmother's death. It awed him, but did not affect him much.
She had never shown any love for him, and was almost a stranger to him.