After she had told her how many times she missed at school that day, what a funny tumble Sarah Rowe had on the ice, and laughed over "Winnie's latest" till she was laughed out and talked out too, she sprang into her lap, in one of Gypsy's sudden outbursts of affection, throwing her arms around her neck, and kissing her on cheeks, forehead, lips and chin.
"O-oh, what a blessed little mother you are! What _should_ I do without you ?" "Mother's darling daughter! What should she do without you ?" said Mrs.
Breynton, softly.
But not softly enough.

Gypsy looked up suddenly and saw a pale face peering out at them from behind the curtain, its great eyes swimming in tears, its lips quivering.

The next minute Joy left the room.
There was something dim in Gypsy's eyes as she hurried after her.

She found her crouched upstairs in the dark and cold, sobbing as if her heart would break.

Gypsy put her arm around her.
[Illustration] "Kiss me, Joy." Joy kissed her, and that was all that was said.