nage, for the heroines did as
they were bid, while the three girls were developing strong wills of
their own.

"I believe you have been plotting mischief, and that is the beginning
and the end of your good resolutions!"

"Indeed, no, father; we were in earnest. But it was a reaction, for
before that we had been grumbling about-- Wait a moment, here comes tea.
We'll tell you later on. Miss Briggs says we should never talk about
disagreeable topics at a meal, and tea is the nicest meal of the day, so
we can't afford to spoil it. Well, and how is Mr Robert getting on
this afternoon?"

Mr Bertrand's face twitched in a comical manner. He lived so entirely
in the book which he was writing at the time that he found it impossible
to keep silent on the subject; but he could never rid himself of a
comical feeling of embarrassment in discussing his novels in the
presence of his daughters.

"Robert, eh? What do you know about Robert?"

"We know all about him, of course. He was in trouble on Wednesday, and
you came down to tea with your hair ruffled, and as miserable as you
could be. He must be happy again to-day, for your hair is quite smooth.
When is he going to marry Lady Mary?"

"He is not going to marry Lady Mary at all. What nonsense! Lady Mary,
indeed! You don't know anything about it! Give me another cup of tea,
and tell me what you have been grumbling about. It doesn't sound a
cheerful topic for New Year's Day, but I would rather have even that
than hear such ridiculous remarks! Grumbling! What can you have to
grumble about, I should like to know?"

"Oh, father!" The three young faces raised themselves to his in wide-
eyed protest. The exclamation was unanimous; but when it was over there
was a moment's silence before Hilary took up the strain.

"We are dull, father! We are tired of ourselves. You are all day long
in your study, the boys spend their time out of doors, and we have no
friends. In summer time we don't feel it, for we live in the garden,
and it is bright and sunny; but in winter it is dark and cold. No one
comes to see us, the days are so long, and every day is like the last."

"My dear, you have the housework, and the other two have their lessons.
You are only children as yet, and your school days are not over. Most
children are sent to boarding-schools, and have to work all day long.
You have liberty and time to yourselves. I don't see why you should
complain."

"Father, I s