? I suppose you didn't like being caught
in such a pickle, but don't get in the dumps about it. I'll get him some
tea while you clean yourself, and then you'll be able to help me by and
by."

I found my little sister Aurora, and we climbed through the window into
my bedroom to get tidy. I put a pair of white socks and shoes and a clean
pinafore on the little girl, and combed her golden curls. She was all
mine--slept with me, obeyed me, championed me; while I--well, I
worshipped her.

There was a hole in the wall, and through it I could see without being
seen.

Mother was dispensing afternoon tea and talking to Harold. It was
pleasant to see that manly figure once again. My spirits rose
considerably. After all, if the place was poor, it was very clean, as I
had scrubbed it all that morning, and when I came to consider the matter,
I remembered that men weren't such terrible creatures, and never made one
feel the sting of one's poverty half as much as women do.

"Aurora," I said, I want you to go out and tell Mr Beecham something.

The little girl assented. I carefully instructed her in what she was to
say, and dispatched her. She placed herself in front of Harold--a
wide-eyed mite of four, that scarcely reached above his knee--and clasping
her chubby hands behind her, gazed at him fearlessly and unwinkingly.

"Aurora, you mustn't stand staring like that," said mother.

"Yes, I must," she replied confidently.

"Well, and what's your name?" said Harold laughingly.

"Aurora and Roy. I belong to Sybyller, and got to tell you somesing."

"Have you? Let's hear it."

"Sybyller says you's Mr Beecher; when you're done tea, you'd like me if I
would to 'scort you to farver and the boys, and 'duce you."

Mother laughed. "That's some of Sybylla's nonsense. She considers Rory
her especial property, and delights to make the child attempt long words.
Perhaps you would care to take a stroll to where they are at work, by and
by."

Harold said he would go at once, and accepting Rory's escort, and with a
few directions from mother, they presently set out--she importantly
trudging beneath a big white sun-bonnet, and he looking down at her in
amusement. Presently he tossed her high above his head, and depositing
her upon his shoulder, held one sturdy brown leg in his browner hand,
while she held on by his hair.

"My first impressions are very much in his favour," said mother, when
they had got out of hearing. "But fancy Gertie