She hoped that thus she might have Margaret to herself, and hurried into her room.

Margaret was alone, maids and children at tea, and Flora dressing.

The room was in twilight, with the red gleam of the fire playing cheerfully over it.
"Well, Ethel, have you had a pleasant walk ?" "Yes--no--Oh, Margaret!" and throwing herself across the bottom of the bed, she burst into tears.
"Ethel, dear, what is the matter?
Papa--" "No--no--only I draggled my frock, and Richard threw cold water.

And I am good for nothing! Oh! if mamma was but here!" "Darling Ethel, dear Ethel, I wish I could comfort you.

Come a little nearer to me, I can't reach you! Dear Ethel, what has gone wrong ?" "Everything," said Ethel.