ow we're soldiers," said Dennis, "marching to the funeral of one of
our comrades killed in battle. I'm captain."

All the games suggested by the musical box were successful: even
Philippa was pleased and happy, and Miss Mervyn began to think that the
party might pass off without any quarrels or disturbance. But,
unfortunately, Philippa at last had an idea which led to the overthrow
of this pleasant state of things. This idea was that they should join
in with the musical box when it played the "Bluebells of Scotland," and
have a concert. She herself would conduct, and play the violin. One
child could sing the tune, another could whistle it, another could play
it on a comb, another was provided with a small drum. Every one thought
it a beautiful idea, and Philippa, very much excited, mounted on the
window-seat by the musical box, violin in hand, with her band disposed
round her.

But alas! Instead of the sweet sounds she hoped to hear, the most
terrible discords arose at the first tinkling notes of the musical box.
It was wonderful that such a small band could produce such a great
noise, but perhaps this was because each child wanted to be heard above
the rest. The whistling, screaming, squeaking, and banging, all in
different keys and different time, quite overpowered the gentle
plaintive notes of the violin and the correct melody of the musical box.
Miss Mervyn at the end of the room covered her ears, and Philippa
dropped her bow, and exclaimed angrily: "Stop! it's a horrid noise."

That was easily said, but no one paid any attention to it. The band
went on screaming, banging, tootling, and whistling harder than ever.

"Stop, I say!" cried Philippa again, stamping her foot. "I'm the
conductor. I say stop!"

But it had no result. She threw down her violin, and shook the musical
box angrily, but there was no way of stopping that either: it went
steadily on, regardless that she was beside herself with rage. In
another moment she would have dashed it on the floor; but, fortunately,
just at that instant Mrs Trevor appeared at the door. The sight of her
had more effect than all Philippa's rage. The band suddenly stopped,
the din ceased, peace was restored. Miss Mervyn took her hands from her
ears, and advanced from the other end of the room. Philippa flew to her
mother, and hid her face in her gown.

"What is it, my darling?" said Mrs Trevor, looking fondly at her
daughter, and severely at Miss Mervyn.