78 Katie Summers.

“No,” said Katie; “I shan’t tell her, but I
think you ought to tell her at once.”

At this moment the big dog, Lynn, came
bounding into the room through the open
window, and, seeing something was the matter,
came snuffing at the broken vase, and then
dashed off again, and came right against Mrs.
Summers, as she and Mrs. Marchwood came
slowly in from the garden.

“Gently, Lynn, gently; what business have
you in the drawing-room ?” said his mistress, as
she stroked his fine head. “That’s forbidden
ground to a great rough fellow like you. Ah!
he’s done some mischief, I fear,” she added, as
she stepped into the room, and saw the broken
vase, with the two little girls standing near.
Oh, dear! how did this happen?” she asked.

Fanny replied hastily, “ Lynn came jumping
into the room, and all at once we heard the
smash, and there was the vase on the floor !”

Mrs. Summers never doubted the truth of