sn't speak the truth. I would far rather
scold myself than Hilda."

"Well, at any rate here's the cotton. I spent all my money on it except
the ten shillings in the Savings Bank; and, Hilda, you _will_ use it
when Jasper's socks get into holes."

"Of course I will, you dear little darling," said Hilda. "I think it is
a perfectly sweet present. Give it to me; I was just packing my
work-basket, and in it shall go this minute. I'll think of you every
time I use a thread of this cotton, Babs."

"Babs, Miss Mills says it is quite time for you to go to bed," said
Judy, who was standing at the back of Hilda's chair, softly touching her
bright head from time to time with the tips of her little fingers.

Quentyns laughed when Judy spoke in her solemn voice.

"And what about Judy's time for going to bed?" he asked.

"Oh, I am much older than Babs, and Hilda said----"

"Yes, Jasper; I said Judy should have a little talk with me all by
myself to-night," said Hilda, putting back her hand and drawing her
little sister forward. "Here's a tiny bit of my chair for you to sit
upon, Judy dearest."

"Then I'll take Babs upstairs," said Jasper. "Put your arms tightly
round my neck, you quaint monkey, and I'll race up to your room with
you."

"Hilda," said Judy, the moment the door had closed behind the two, "I
haven't given you my present yet."

"My darling," said Hilda, "when we love as you and I love each other,
presents mean nothing--nothing at all. I know you have no money,
dearest little Judy and I think it was so sweet of you not to ask for
any. Your present to me is your thoughtfulness; no gift could be
sweeter."

"Hilda, may I rest my head against your shoulder?"

"Of course, darling. Now aren't we cozy?"

"We are; I feel warm now, and--and happy. I won't be able to sit like
this for a long time again."

"Yes you will, for you're coming to stay with us; as soon as ever we get
into our house, or our flat, or wherever we shall live, you are to come.
One of the very first rooms I shall furnish will be your little bedroom,
my Judy."

"And then I can sit close to you every night. But oh, Hilda, _he'll_ be
there, he won't like it."

"Yes, he will; he'll like anything that I like. There is an old proverb
that I must repeat for your benefit--'Love me, love my dog.' That means
that those whom I love you ought to love."

"Ought I? Very well, I'll try to love--Jasper. Anything that you say
I'll try to do. Hilda, why does