"I have reasons of my own for not comin', Mary."
"Very well, miss, only--he's such a dear little boy, and you'd brighten
him up like."
Sheila Pat looked worried.
"Does he want me to come?"
"Yes, miss."
"Then I will!" She heaved a big sigh. "Unless," brightening, "Aunt
Kezia doesn't wish me to. I'll go and ask her."
She came back sadly.
"I can come," she said ungraciously.
"Sarah! Sarah!"
Down the stairs floated Miss Kezia's voice, stern anger in its tone.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Sarah, I cannot find my house-shoes! I have forbidden you to move any
of my things."
"I--I haven't touched 'em, ma'am!"
"She's getting trembly--like an earthquake, poor little hap'orth,"
observed Nell.
"Not touched them? Then where are they? They have disappeared! Are
you sure--"
"Nell--oh, _Nell_, I--I put them on the dining-room fender to warm!"
"Molly! Oh, you are too lovely for anything! Hadn't you better go and
tell her?"
Molly cowered down in her chair.
"I daren't!"
"I will, then."