poor, fifth-class house, going to that ugly school.

"I can't stand it," she thought. "There's only one way out. I must have
a real desperate burst of naughtiness. What shall I do that will most
aggravate them? For do that thing I will, and as quickly as possible."

Kathleen thought rapidly. She had no brothers of her own, but their loss
was made up for by the adoration of about twenty young cousins who were
always loafing about the place and following Kathleen wherever she
turned.

"What would most aggravate Pat if he were here," thought the girl, "or
dear old Michael? Ah, well! Michael--" The girl's face slightly changed.
"I was never _very_ naughty with Michael," she said to herself. "He is
different from the others. I wouldn't like to see that sort of sorry
look in his dear dark-blue eyes. Oh, I mustn't think of Michael now.
When I was going away he said, 'Bedad, you'll come back a princess, and
I'll be proud to see you.' No, I mustn't think of Michael. Pat, the imp,
would help me, and so would Rory, and so would Ted. But what shall it
be?"

She thought excitedly. There came a rattle at the handle of the door.

"Let me in, please, Kathleen; let me in," called Alice's voice.

"Presently, darling," replied Kathleen in her most nonchalant tone.

"But I am in a hurry. I must be back at school by half-past two. Let me
in immediately."

"What a nuisance it all is!" thought Kathleen. "But, after all, my
naughtiness needn't make that stupid old Alice late for her darling
lessons."

She scrambled off the bed, drew back the bolt, and returned to her old
position. Alice came quickly in. She glanced at Kathleen with disgust.

"I wish you wouldn't lie on the bed in your muddy boots."

No answer.

"I must ask you not to lock the door. It is my room as well as yours."

No answer. Kathleen's eyes were fixed on the window; they were brimful
of mischief. After a time she said:

"Darling."

"I wish you wouldn't talk to me in that silly way."

"Faith! honey, then."

"I do wish--"

Kathleen suddenly sprang upright on her bed.

"Don't you like the sky when it looks as it does now? I wish you could
see it from Carrigrohane. You don't know the sort of expression it has
when it seems to be kissing the sea. We have a ghost at Carrigrohane.
Oh, wisha, then, if you only could see it! I can tell the boys about it.
Sha'n't I make them creep?"

"It is very silly to talk about ghosts. Nobody believes in them," said
Alice