CHAPTER XI.
"Bear a fair presence, though your heart be tainted, Teach sin the carriage of a holy saint." -- _Shaks._ The children walked very fast, glancing this way and that till satisfied that there was no longer any danger of encountering Mrs.Scrimp, then their pace slackened a little and they breathed more freely.
"Won't she be mad because you came without asking her, Lu ?" queried Max.
"I s'pose so." "What'll she do about it ?" "Scold, scold, scold! and threaten to make me fast; but she knows she can't do that.

I always manage to get something to eat.

I've found a key that fits the pantry door; so I just help myself.

She doesn't know about the key and wonders how it happens; thinks she forgot to lock it." "But, Lulu, you wouldn't steal!" "'Taint stealing to take what papa pays for! Max, you're too stupid!" cried Lulu indignantly.
Max gave a long, low whistle.

"Fact, Lu! that's so! our father does pay for more than we can possibly eat, and expects us to have all we want." "Do you get enough, Max ?" "Yes; and right good too.