Six to Sixteen

is affairs in his hands, and in those of a friend in England-the Mr. Arkwright he ha

uite so good an effect. She copied my mother's style, and sometimes wore things exactly similar to hers; but the result was not the same. I have heard Mrs. Minchin say that my mother took a malicious pleasure, at times, in wea

did ever afterwards. Aunt Theresa's daughters and I were like sisters. They showed me their best f

sat stiffly round her head as regularly as the rolls of a lawyer's wig.

said, "I have taken you up, Margery Vandaleur. Mrs. Minchin told Mamma that she has taken the bride up. I heard her say that the bride was a sweet little puss, only so childish. That's just what Mrs. Minchin said. I heard her.

taken up by Mrs. Minchin meant an equally hot quarrel at no very distant date. The squabble with the bride was not slow to come, but Matilda and I fell out first. I think she was tyrannical, and I

as a deceitful little cat; but at the end of two days I had offended Matilda

any more of my dre

" I boldly asserted;

now that," s

, I

you d

w me the o

hat I

n't c

out from England," Matilda

ilk here," said I,

a's dead," said Matilda; "Mamma says you

ause my father was dead, and I could not go to him for comfort. I was miserable because I was out of temper, and Matilda had had the best of the quarrel. I was miserable-

nd Bustle and I rolled over on to the floor. In a moment more

gone to Ayah, for she came to me presently and begged my pardon. Of course we were at once as friendly as before. Many anothe

he day of my father's funeral. He was there, and came back with Major Buller. I was on Mr. George's knee in a moment, with my hand through the crape upo

k here, sir. A month or two ago I'd outrun the constable-I always am getting

r he has helped by many, to my

he said was, 'I think I'm following the rest, Abercrombie, and I wanted to speak to you about this.' He had got my I.O.U. in his hand, and he tore it across, and said, 'Do

he spoke very kindly to him, and they left me for a bit and walked up and down the verandah tog

aid Major Buller. "But there's no breaking rough news

lera only to fall a victim to fever. The news of my father's death w

became

ent was ordered home, and th