I never could bear the way the Mackenzies used to have of thinking their parents must be like enemies, and keeping secrets from them." "They were always threatening each other, 'I'll tell mamma,'" said Flora, "and calling us tell-tales because we told our own dear mamma everything.

But it is not like that now--I neither like to worry papa, nor to bring Harry into disgrace--besides, Tom and Mary meant it for a secret." "Papa would not be angry with him if we told him it was a secret," said Ethel; "I wish Harry would come in.

There's the door--oh! it is only you." "Whom did you expect ?" said Richard, entering.
The sisters looked at each other, and Ethel, after an interval, explained their doubts about Harry.
"He is come in," said Richard; "I saw him running up to his own room, very muddy." "Oh, I'm glad! But do you think papa ought to hear it?
I don't know what's to be done.

'Tis the children's secret," said Flora.
"It will never do to have him going out with those boys continually," said Ethel--"Harvey Anderson close by all the holidays!" "I'll try what I can do with him," said Richard.

"Papa had better not hear it now, at any rate.