'Reading a stupid story will be very slow work after all we've gone through today.' 'No, no, no,' said Katie; 'it shan't be put off; there won't be any other time for hearing it.

And, mamma it must be read; and I know it won't be stupid.

Oh; mamma, dear mamma, do let us hear it read; I'm quite well now.' Mrs.Woodward found herself obliged to give way.

She had not the heart to bid her daughter go away to bed, nor, had she done so, would it have been of any avail.

Katie would only have lain and sobbed in her own room, and very probably have gone into hysterics.