CHAPTER V.
Two days after the installation of what Mrs.Sykes persisted in calling the "spinal mattress," Esther Coombe was late in getting home from school.

As was usually the case when this happened, Jane, designated by mournful Mark as "the Pindling One," was sitting on the gatepost gazing disconsolately down the road.

There were traces of tears upon her thin little face and the warmth of the hug which returned her sister's greeting was evidence of an unusually disturbed mind.
"Why aren't you playing with the other children, Jane ?" "I don't want to play, Esther.

Timothy's dead." "Yes, I know, dear.

But Fred has promised you a new puppy--" "I don't want a new puppy.