Don't mind her." "I won't get over it," screamed Hester.

"I'm not going to have Ruth Rowland in this club!" "For goodness gracious sakes, children, what _is_ the matter ?" A grown-up voice exclaimed these words, and then Mr.Jack Bryant entered Sand Court.

He took in the situation at a glance, but pretended to be ignorant of the true state of things.
"What's up, O Queen ?" he said, addressing Hester.

"Oh, sunny-faced, honey-voiced Queen of Sand Court, what, I prithee, is up ?" "Nothing," growled Hester, looking sullen.
"Nay, nay, not so, sweet Queen; I bethink me there is much up, indeed! Else why these unusual consternations on the faces of thy courtiers ?" Of course, Cousin Jack knew all about the doings of Sand Court.

He had often been with them, and delighted them all by talking "Court language," but to-day nobody responded to his pleasantry.