e water into her basin, washed her hands, and went
downstairs.

"Mother," she said, "I am obliged to be out the whole afternoon. The
scholarship examination takes place in six weeks now, and if I am to
have any chance of getting through I must not idle a single moment. I
grieve to say that a box of finery has arrived for Kathleen--most
unsuitable, for she has plenty of clothes. I do trust, mother, you will
keep her in tow a little this afternoon, and not allow her to make a
show of herself."

"You are not very kind to Kathleen," said Mrs. Tennant. "Why shouldn't
the child enjoy her pretty things? I like to see girls nicely dressed.
It is a great trial to me to be obliged to deny you the ribbons and
frills and laces which most girls of your age possess."

"Thanks, mother," answered Alice; "but if you were as Rich as Croesus, I
should not wish, while I am a schoolgirl, to dress any better than I
do."

"You certainly have a great deal of sense, dear; but don't be too hard
on the little girl. Ah! here she comes. Now we must sit down to dinner
at once."

During dinner Kathleen's eyes sparkled so brightly, and she looked so
merry and mysterious, that both the boys gazed at her in wonder.

"Don't mind me," she said, whispering to David as she bent towards him.
"It's in real downright delight I am. I am expecting to have the most
wonderful joy all the afternoon that was ever given a girl. Ah, then,
it's illegant myself will be when you see me next, boys. And do look at
her! I declare she's getting crosser each minute."

"Hush, Kathleen!" said David. "You must not say unkind things."

"Don't trouble to reprove her, David," called out Alice in a calm and
lofty tone. "I assure you she doesn't annoy me in the least. Sometimes I
think there is a little gnat flying about and trying to sting me, but
that's all."

"And a charming metaphor, too," said Kathleen.

She ate her meal soberly, but occasionally a bubble of laughter came to
the surface, and her merry eyes glanced from Mrs. Tennant's face to
Alice's, and from Alice's to those of the boys. The moment the meal came
to an end Kathleen jumped up.

"Now, then, my angels, you come with me," she said, and she caught David
by the one hand and Ben by the other, and led her willing slaves into
the hall.

"Did you ever see anything like it?" said Alice to her mother. "She will
ruin the boys in addition to all her other mischief. Mother, must we
keep her long? It is really m