and have one of the new desks, and,
incidentally, to pass the Cambridge examination if it could be done
without too much "fag." She put on her clothes any way, did her hair in
the twinkling of an eye, and the effect was uniformly charming.

"If she's untidy, she's picturesque; if I'm untidy, I'm a fright. It's
mean!" soliloquised Betty discontentedly. Every day she lived she was
the more convinced that the world was topsy-turvy, and that she herself
was the only person who was competent to set it to rights.

Pam was just Pam; like herself, and no one else in the world. A dear
little, wide-eyed, pointed-chinned kitten, everybody's tease, and pet,
and conscience all in one, for those clear child eyes seemed to see
through all pretences, and what she thought she put into words without a
shadow of fear or hesitation.

It was a very plain, almost a frugal, repast, but the table looked
cheerful and pretty with the pink-shaded lamp in the centre, surrounded
by the four little bowls of flowers which it was one of Betty's duties
to keep fresh, and there was no lack of lively conversation.

Mrs Trevor had had a trying day, and several of her worries must of
necessity be discussed with her husband later on, but she would allow no
hint of them to escape until he had been fed and rested, and in the same
manner all the children searched their memories for the pleasantest
event which they had experienced to retail for his benefit.

"I was top to-day, father," Jack announced proudly; "answered every
single question in Latin, and read off my translation like a book. If I
liked to stew, I believe I could lick Johnston all the time. He was
pretty sick at having to go down; looked as glum as an old owl for the
rest of the morning."

"He takes his work more seriously than you do, my boy. You say you
could be top if you liked: I am glad to hear it; but why don't you like?
You can't surely prefer a lower place?"

"Oh, well, there's reason in all things!" returned Jack, with a
vagueness which his brothers and sisters had apparently little
difficulty in understanding, for they laughed, and sniggered meaningly
to each other.

"Such a waste of time, when there is football to be played!"

"A full back has to keep his energy for his work, and not fritter it
away over stupid books. That's about it, isn't it, Jack?" they teased,
while Dr Trevor said between a sigh and a smile--

"Ah, well, my boy, you are old enough to judge for yo