If Kezia had a contented mind we should maybe all of us get on better." "A contented fiddlestick!" exclaimed Mrs.Martin, so angrily that Malcolm thought it wise to make a diversion, especially as a warm fishy odour in the adjoining kitchen heralded the near arrival of the noontide repast.

When he saw more of the Martins he invariably noticed the smell of fish; it seemed to be their principal diet--fish broiled or fried or boiled, or even at tea-time shrimps or periwinkles.

He saw that Anna found the atmosphere oppressive, and determined to beat a hasty retreat.
"Well, we must be going," he observed.

"Good-day, Kit.

Now I wonder, if I were to give you a doll, what sort you would like ?" Then Kit, who had been frowning fiercely over the ball dress, looked up at him with astonished blue eyes.
"A real new dollie for me," she said breathlessly.