I stole across the room to the china cupboard, drew forward a chair and climbed upon it, and, in mortal fear and trembling, placed the cup on the saucer waiting for it.

They seemed to match exactly, but I could not wait to see any more--the sound of some one coming along the ante-room reached my ears--I had only just time to close the door of the cupboard, jump down and try to look as if nothing were the matter, when my grandmother entered the room.

She came up to me with both her hands out-stretched in welcome, and a look on her face that I did not understand.

She kissed me fondly, exclaiming, "'My own dear little Nelly.

I thought you would come.