"And the bunnies, and the pigeons, and the new carpet in the dining-
room, and because the puppy didn't die--and--and--_Me_!" said the Mouse,
severely; and when her sisters burst into a roar of laughter she
proceeded to justify herself with indignant protest. "Well, it's the
trufh! The bunnies _are_ pretty, and you said, `Thank goodness! we've
got a respectable carpet at last!' And Lettice cried when the little
pup rolled its eyes and squealed, and you said to Miss Briggs that I was
only five, and if I _was_ spoiled she couldn't wonder, 'cause I was the
littlest of seven, and no one could help it! And it's `Happy New Year'
and plum pudding for dinner, so I don't sink you ought to be
discontented!"

"You are quite right, dear, it's very naughty of us. Just run upstairs
to the schoolroom, and get tidy for tea, there's a good little Mouse.
Shut the door behind you, for there's a fearful draught." Hilary nodded
to the child over her shoulder, and then turned to her sisters with an
expressive shrug. "What a funny little mite she is! We really must be
careful how we speak before her. She understands far too well, and she
has such stern ideas of her own. Well, perhaps after all we are wrong
to be discontented. I hated coming to live in this quiet place, but I
have been ever so much stronger; I never have that wretched, breathless
feeling now that I had in town, and I can run upstairs to the very top
without stopping. You can't enjoy anything without health, so I ought
to be--I am!--very thankful that I am so much better."

"I am thankful that I have my two dear hobbies, and can forget
everything in playing and drawing. The hours fly when I can sit out of
doors and sketch, and my precious old violin knows all my secrets. It
cries with me, and sings with me, and shrieks aloud just as I would do
if I dared to make all the noise I want, when I am in a temper. I do
believe I could be one of the best players in the world if I had the
chance. I feel it in me! It is aggravating to know that I make
mistakes from want of proper lessons, but it is glorious to feel such
power over an instrument as I do when I am properly worked up! I would
not change places with any girl who is not musical!"

Lettice said nothing, but she lifted her eyes to the oval mirror which
hung above the mantelpiece, and in her heart she thought, "And I am glad
that I am so pretty. If one is pretty, everyone is polite and
attentive; and I do l